During the 5th to 8th centuries the Badami Chalukya sculpture evolved. The features of Badami Chalukya sculpture were differed in style from the previous kingdoms. The detailed sculptures were primarily found on the temples. The Chalukya kingdom was based in the area of Malaprabha basin (Bagalkot district, Karnataka). The style of Chalukyan sculpture is also known as Vesara style. The Chalukyas mainly built two kinds of monuments: rock cut halls or caves and structural temples.
As far as cave temples are concerned, they have three basic features:
• Pillared Veranda
• Columned Hall
• A Rock Cut `garbhagriha`
These features of Badami Chalukya sculpture are apparent in the three caves of Aihole. These three caves are built in Vedic, Buddhist and Jain styles. However the later caves are built in the indigenous Badami style. The features of these Badami Chalukya sculpture is the running frescos of Ganas in different postures. These are found on each plinth of the caves. The sculpture of the outside verandah is simply done. But it is the inner hall that has been adorned with creative sculptural symbolism. The sculptures of the Badami Chalukyas reflect the versatility and the artistic wizardry of the era. Some of the best specimen of Badami Chalukya sculpture is to be found in Pattadakal temples. There are 10 temples at Pattadakal. Out of these six have been built in the Dravidian style and the rest four reflect the Rekhanagara style.
The sculptures of these temples have certain special features that distinguish them from other temples. Firstly these temples are fully inclusive. They have a central structure, Nandi pavilions in the front of the temple and there are gateways to enter the enclosed walls. Secondly, the architecture of the moan sanctum has a Pradakshinapatha and mandapa. The latter has pillars and window screens that are pierced. Lastly, the external walls of the temples are divided by pilasters. These niches are decorated with either well carved sculptures in Badami Chalukya style or with perforated windows.
One of the main features of Badami Chalukya sculpture is that there is a continuation; a spontaneity. The dedication with which these monuments were built has given way to several stories. It is said that in the Virupaskha temple the spirits who built it still reside.
Such was the influence of the Badami Chalukya sculpture that these reappeared in the architecture of the Vijayanagar monuments. Some of the famous sculptors in the Badami Chalukya Empire were Narasobba, Gundan Anivaritachari and Revadi Ovajja.
