HPAS 2023 GS1 Question 3

HPAS 2023 Mains GS-1 Question 3

Throw light on the salient features of Pallava Temple Architecture style.

Solution:

The Pallava dynasty (c. 600-900 CE) were the pioneers of the **Dravidian style** of temple architecture in South India, with their capital at Kanchipuram. Their architectural style is unique because it shows a clear and linear evolution from rock-cut caves to monolithic temples, and finally to the first structural stone temples.

This evolution is broadly classified into four distinct stages or groups, named after the patron kings:

1. Mahendra Group (c. 610-640 CE)

This phase, under Mahendravarman I, marks the beginning of Pallava architecture. Its features are:

• Rock-Cut Cave Temples: These are not buildings, but halls carved directly into the hard granite hillsides. They are known as *mandapas*.
• Simple Design: The plan consists of a simple pillared hall leading to one or more small *garbhagrihas* (sanctum sanctorum) at the back.
• Massive Pillars: The pillars are the most notable feature. They are massive, with a square or octagonal shaft and a simple bracket capital. They lack the ornate lion-base of later styles.
• Examples: Mandagapattu temple (the first of its kind), Pallavaram, and Mamandur cave temples.

2. Narasimha / Mamalla Group (c. 640-674 CE)

Under Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla), this style became more elaborate and is centered at **Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)**.

• Monolithic *Rathas* (Chariots): This is the most famous feature. These are not temples but architectural models, each carved from a single, massive granite boulder. The **Pancha Pandava Rathas** are the prime example, showcasing different experimental roof designs (e.g., hut-style Draupadi Ratha, wagon-roofed Bhima Ratha, and the early *vimana* form of the Dharmaraja Ratha).
• Ornate *Mandapas*:** The cave temples of this era are more finished. They are famous for their exquisite, large-scale relief sculptures, such as the *Mahishasuramardini* and *Varaha* panels.
• Lion Pillars: This style introduced the characteristic Pallava pillar, which features a **seated lion at its base (*simha-stambha*)**.

3. Rajasimha Group (c. 674-800 CE)

This phase, under Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), marks the most significant leap: the move to structural buildings.

This stage saw the **birth of the first structural stone temples** in South India. Instead of being carved *into* rock, temples were *built* with blocks of stone (mostly sandstone).

• Pyramidal *Vimana*:** This is where the iconic, multi-storied, pyramidal tower (the *Vimana*) above the *garbhagriha* became a standard feature, defining the Dravidian style.
• Use of *Yalis*:** Carved lions (*yalis*) are used extensively as decorative elements and at the base of pillars.
• Examples: The **Shore Temple** at Mamallapuram (a complex of three shrines) and the magnificent **Kailasanatha Temple** at Kanchipuram are the quintessential examples of this style.

4. Nandivarman Group (c. 800-900 CE)

This was the final phase, which saw a refinement of the Rajasimha style, but on a smaller scale. These temples serve as the architectural link between the late Pallava and the Early Chola styles. Example: Vaikunta Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram.

Salient Features (Summary)

1. Evolutionary Progress: A clear transition from rock-cut caves to monolithic *rathas* and finally to structural temples.
2. Iconic Pillars: The introduction and mastery of the **lion-pillar (*simha-stambha*)**.
3. Birth of the Dravidian *Vimana*:** The creation of the stepped, pyramidal tower that would define all future South Indian temples.
4. Masterful Relief Sculpture:** Integration of large, dynamic, and classical relief panels into the temple walls (e.g., *Arjuna’s Penance*).

Concise Model Answer (150-Word Limit)

Pallava architecture (c. 600-900 CE) is the foundation of the Dravidian temple style, defined by its clear evolution through four stages.

1. Mahendra Style: Began with simple rock-cut cave temples (*mandapas*) with massive, simple pillars (e.g., Mandagapattu).
2. Mamalla Style: Introduced monolithic *rathas* (chariots) carved from single boulders (e.g., Pancha Rathas at Mamallapuram) and pillars with seated-lion bases (*simha-stambha*).
3. Rajasimha Style: This was the most crucial phase, marking the shift to structural temples built with stone blocks. It established the iconic, multi-storied pyramidal **Vimana** (tower) (e.g., Shore Temple, Kailasanatha Temple).
4. Nandivarman Style: A concluding phase of smaller, refined structural temples (e.g., Vaikunta Perumal Temple) that transitioned into the Chola style.

Other salient features are the integration of masterful relief sculptures (e.g., Arjuna’s Penance) and the early formation of temple complexes.