Vijayanagar Architecture

1. Historical Background of Vijayanagar Empire
2. Phases of Vijayanagar Architecture
3. Chief Characteristics of Vijayanagar Architecture
4. Important Centres of Art and Architecture

1. Vijayanagar Architecture By Dr. S. Kannan, Asst. Prof. of History, Annamalai University, Deputed to Raja Doraisingam Govt. Arts College, Sivagangai

2. Introduction In Tamil Nadu, the Pallavas, Pandyas and Cholas laid down a rich architectural tradition for about nine centuries ( from 6 th to 14 th century A.D.). Their architecture and sculpture expressed simplicity and liveliness. Remarkable changes in the treatment and execution of architecture, sculpture and painting took place in the succeeding Vijayanagar and Nayak periods (from 15 th to 18 th century A.D.). This lecture highlights the main features of the Vijayanagar architecture in Tamil Nadu. It will discuss the elaboration , ornamentation, exuberance, magnificence and brilliance of the Vijayanagar architectural vestiges in Tamil Nadu.

3. Historical Background Harihara and Bukka were treasury officials under Kakkatiyas of Warrangal. When Warrangal kingdom was attacked by the forces of Delhi Sultanate, both took service under the Petti Raya of Anegundi or Kampili. The defeat of the Kakkathiyas, Anegundi principality and the Hoysalas left a political vacuum in Kanada and Andhra regions. Harihara and Bukka with help of Vijayanagar kingdom on the southern bank of the river Tungabadra in 1336 A.D. with Hampi as its capital with a sole aim of saving the region form the onslaught of Islam.

4. Historical Background Four dynasties of the Empire Sangama (period of emergence) Harihara , Bukka, Kumara Kamphana and Devaraya II (1432-1446) Saluva (period of consolidation) Saluva Narasimha Tuluva (period of climax and downfall) Vira Narasimha (1505 – 1509), Krishna Devaraya (1509 – 1529), Achyuta Raya, Sadasiva Raya (Regent Rama Raya) – Battle of Talaikotta 1565 A.D. Aravidu (period of emergence of successor states and their supremacy) Tirumala , Venkata I, Sri Ranga III (1642 – 1649) lived till 1672

5. Phases of Vijayanagar Architecture Early Phase (1336-1500 A.D) (Sangama & Saluva periods) Activities more on the northern regions of the empire. Major centres of architecture – Hampi, Thirupathi, Thirumalai and Melkotta . Regional architectural style - later Chalukya and Hoysala. Moderate temples were constructed. In Tamil Nadu, Varadhamana temple, Kanchipuram- Sangeetha mandapa – built by Irugappa in 1387-88 A.D. and brick superstructure over the entrance gopura was also the work of Irugappa.

6. Phases of Vijayanagar Architecture Middle Phase (1509-1565 A.D.) (Tuluva period ) Vijayanagar empire as well as its architecture reached zenith of its power and glory. Largest and most splendid temples, gopuras and mandapas were built. Mixed style. Major centres of architecture Hampi (Virupaksha, Krishna, Hazara Rama, Vittala temples) Hospet (Anantasayana temple) Lepakshi (Virabhadra temple) In Tamil Nadu, goddess shrine and Thiruvoymoli mandapa of the Parathasarathy temple, Chennai – gopuras at Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Srirangam, Madurai, etc. –temples and mandapas at various places in the region stretching from Sriperumpudur to Kanyakumari.

7. Phases of Vijayanagar Architecture Late Phase (1550-1736 A.D.) (Aravidu period 1565-1650 A.D. & Nayak period 1550-1736 A.D) Vijayanagar architecture witnessed declining trend in quantity and quality. Viceroys (Nayaks) became prominent in power and patronage. Mainly corresponds with the Nayak architecture. Major centres of architecture Sriperumpudur Kanchipuram Vellore Virinchipuram Thiruvannamalai Senji Chidambaram Srimushnam Kumbakonam Thanjavur Srirangam Madurai Srivilliputtur Tirunelveli

8. Chief Characteristics of Vijayanagar Architecture Known for their magnificence, vast size and ornamental exuberance. Stupendous fortification, magnificent city planning, impressive military establishments. Introduction of new forms and popular themes besides continuing and elaborating the already existing one. Mixed style Northern dominions – architectural traditions of later Chalukyas and Hoysalas Southern dominions – architectural traditions of Cholas and Pandyas.

9. Chief Characteristics of Vijayanagar Architecture Bold emphasis on stately gopuras. Ornamental spacious mandapas (pavilions) with tall columns. Special attention on the outer premises of the temples also. Ornamental pavilions such as Kalyana mandapa Unjal mandapa Vasantha mandapa Vahana mandapa Ranga mandapa Kannadi mandapa Use of hard granite stone instead of soft stone used by Kakkatiyas and Hoysalas in Kannada region. Southern tradition is followed in gopura and mandapa. Northern tradition is adopted in the sculptural themes and decorative motifs, but the intricate carving and delicate fineness are missing because of hard medium.

10. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Gopura and mandapa

11. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture Krishna Temple, Hampi Mandapa

12. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi Vimana and mandapa

13. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture Vittala Temple, Hampi Stone chariot

14. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture Vittala Temple, Hampi Mandapa and composite pillars

15. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture Ananthasayana Temple, Hospet Front view

16. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture Virabhadra Temple, Lepakshi Vimana

17. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture Virabhadra Temple, Lepakshi Entrance mandapa

18. Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchipuram Front view of the gopura

19. Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchipuram Water tank and gopuras

20. Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchipuram Pillared corridor

21. Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchipuram Interior of kalyana mandapa

22. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram Front view of gopura

23. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram Four pillared mandapa and kalyana mandapa in the outer prakara

24. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram Kalyana mandapa Stone chain

25. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram Interior of kalyana mandapa

26. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram Warrior mounted horse pillars in kalyana mandapa

27. Jalakandesvara Temple, Vellore View of Vellore fort and gopura in the backdrop

28. Jalakandesvara Temple, Vellore Gopura

29. Jalakandesvara Temple, Vellore Kalyana mandapa

30. Jalakandesvara Temple, Vellore Yali pillar in kalyana mandapa

31. Margabandhu Temple, Virinchipuram Kalyana mandapa

32. Margabandhu Temple, Virinchipuram Warrior mounted horse pillars in kalyana mandapa

33. Venkataramana Temple, Senji Aerial view

34. Venkataramana Temple, Senji Interior of kalyana mandapa

35. Ranganatha Temple at Top Hill, Senji View of temple and mukamandapa

36. Arunachalesvara Temple, Thiruvannamalai Aerial view

37. Arunachalesvara Temple, Thiruvannamalai Front view of the gopura

38. Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram Rear view and profile of northern gopura

39. Bhuvaraha Temple, Srimushnam Mandapa with ornated ceiling

40. Subramanya Shrine , Big Temple, Thanjavur Southern view

41. Nandhi Mandapa , Big Temple, Thanjavur Front view

42. SriranganathaTemple, Srirangam Fornt view of south outermost gopura

43. SriranganathaTemple, Srirangam Horse court (Shesharaya mandapa)

44. SriranganathaTemple, Srirangam Close view of horse pillars in Shesharaya mandapa

45. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai Aerial view South gopura

46. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai 1000 Pillared mandapa in day light

47. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai Aerial view South gopura 1000 Pillared mandapa in night light

48. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai Sculpted pillar in 1000 pillared mandapa

49. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai Front and inside view of pudhumandapa in front of Meenakshi Amman temple

50. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai Musical pillars in Meenakshi Amman temple (near northern gopura)

51. Teppakulam, Madurai Overall view

52. Kudal Alagar Temple, Madurai Southern view

53. Kudal Alagar Temple, Madurai Eastern view of the vimana in the night

54. Kallalagar Temple, Alagarkoyil, Madurai Front view of kalyana mandapa

55. Kallalagar Temple, Alagarkoyil, Madurai Interior of kalyana mandapa

56. Subramanya Temple, Thiruparankundram, Madurai Front view of gopura (post – Nayak) Entrance of mukamandapa

57. Vatapatrashayi Temple, Srivilliputtur Front view

58. Andal Temple, Srivilliputtur Sculpted pillars of entrance mandapa

59. Contributors on Vijayanagara Art George Michell (Australia) Anna L Dallapiccola (Italy) K V Raman (India) John M Fritz (USA) B A Saletore (India)

60. “Men may come and men may go; but I go on for ever” – A.L.Tennyson Thank You Indian postage stamp issued in commemoration of Krishnadevaraya