HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 266: Model Answer

Question: Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (8 marks/ 120 words)

Answer.

 Under the Cholas, temple architecture in South India reached its pinnacle. The Pallava and Eastern Chalukyan traditions were carried on by the Chola style.

Following and perfecting Pallava architecture, the Cholas added the following noteworthy elements:

• using stones rather than bricks:
• Instead of Pallava lion motifs, temple walls were adorned with statues and paintings of gods, monarchs, and queens.
• Temples are surrounded by ornate walls and doors (Gopuram).
• Mandap, a deity room, and a storey that resembles a pyramid above the deity room (Vimana).
• Many temples are having pillared like mahamandapa, athmandandapa, nandi mandapa etc.

Due to their grandeur, Chola temples have been recognised for their international importance and therefore get special protection as world heritage by UNESCO

During the Chola dynasty the temple architecture reached to its highest point. The cholas contributes very huge part for making the temple architectures, that’s why during the Cholas dynasty known as golden era for Tamil nadu as well as for India.