Kakatiya Architecture: An Influence of the Chalukyas

Pratiksha Hemasagar Sahu

Kakatiya Architecture: An Influence of the Chalukyas

The Kakatiya dynasty of South India ruled the majority of the eastern Deccan region, which includes Telangana and Andhra Pradesh today, as well as a small portion of eastern Karnataka and southern Odisha. Their capital was Orugallu, now known as Warangal. A distinctive architectural style known as Kakatiya Architecture was developed during the Kakatiya era; notable examples include the Warangal Fort, the Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda, the Ramappa Temple in Palampet, and the Kota Gullu in Ghanpur. Inscriptions, including about 1,000 stone inscriptions and 12 copper-plate inscriptions, provide a lot of information about the Kakatiya era.

The Ramappa Temple Source: Travel Escape

The story began in 1052 CE when a notable Vesara style of temple architecture developed during the rule of the Kakatiya Dynasty known as the Kakatiya architecture. The region today is known as eastern Deccan comprising Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The majority of Kakatiya architecture is influenced by Chalukya architecture, a mixture of Nagara and Dravidian forms. The Vimana, the horizontal stepped tower, was built using sandbox technology. The distinctive architectural style, engineering techniques, and decorative elements seen in the Kakatiyan temple complexes attest to the impact of the Kakatiyan sculptor's influence.

The majority of the Kakatiyan temples had a strong Shiva focus and demonstrated their skilful blending of North and South Indian architectural traditions, which had an impact on the Deccan's political atmosphere. The Kakatiyas built their temple complexes using both stones and bricks, depending on their location. There are five basic designs for their temples: Ekakuta following Vastu shastra, the principal temples in Dwikuta, Trikuta, Chatuskuta, and Panchakuta are all oriented eastward, towards the rising sun.

One of the outstanding examples of Kakatiya architecture is the well-known Temple of a thousand pillars. It was erected by Rudra Deva on the slopes of Hanamakonda hill, dedicated to the gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Sun in 1163 A.D. The base of this temple is structured like a star, and it has three shrines (Trikutalaya). The indigenous name for this temple is Veyisthambala Gudi, which means a thousand-pillar temple. This temple was constructed in the manner of Chalukyan temple design.

The foundation of this temple was strengthened using a special technique known as the sandbox technique. This method involves digging a deep trench, filling it with sand, and then covering it with enormous rock beams. The enormous columns were raised on this rock base, and after that, the main structure was built. The skilful craftsmanship and perfect ivory carving method used in their works of art also demonstrate the talent of Kakatiya sculptors.

The Kakatiyas' constructions at the Trikutalaya Temple and the Kirthi Torana entrance gateways are the most typical examples in terms of form and design. The Kakatiya temples and gates are exceptional instances of the sculptors' ingenuity in terms of architecture, sculpture, and structural design. They serve as a unique illustration of the continuity of evolved cultural qualities and the transformation through the exchange of cultural values across many years of Indian art history, as well as demonstrating the creative masterpiece.

The Kakatiya sculptor's influence may be seen in the ornamentation and complexes of temples that were constructed under their rule. As the name suggests, there are 1000 of these elaborately carved pillars, all of which exhibit perfect symmetry and design. In this Dravidian temple, you can also see wonderful images, elephants, etc. The sacred bull of Lord Shiva and the rock-cut elephants are positioned on either side of the main shrine; the six-foot monolithic black basalt Nandi is likewise positioned at the temple's entrance. The temple also features ceilings with elaborate inscriptions and marvellously carved gateways. The temple pillars made from black stone feature intricately carved geometric three-quarter reliefs. These reliefs are so finely crafted that even the slimmest of hairbreadths can barely fit between the openings of the finely carved stone bracelet.