QUE: Explain the various parts of the Dravidian temple architecture style and analyse the significant role played by the Chola dynasty in shaping this architectural style.

The Dravidian temple architecture style is a symbol of the ancient Hindu temple building tradition of South India, developed by dynasties like Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagara. Temples in this style are based on pyramid-shaped vimanas and large gopurams, which are adorned with detailed stone carvings and sculptures.

• Different parts of the Dravidian temple architecture style:

The temples in the Dravidian style mainly have five main parts, in which a systematic structure is seen from the entrance to the inner sanctum. Temples in this style are built in a square or rectangular shape and have stepped pyramid-shaped vimanas.

Gopuram: The main entrance of the temple, which is large and multi-storeyed. It contains carvings of gods, mythological figures and animals. This part symbolizes the grandeur of the temple and has developed since the Pallava period. For example, the gopuram of the Madurai Meenakshi temple.

Vimana: The main tower or shikhara of the temple, which is built over the sanctum sanctorum. It is in the shape of a stepped pyramid and narrows towards the top. It has several stele and a kalash on top. This part distinguishes the Dravidian style from the Nagara style.

Mandapa: The hall or auditorium of the temple, where devotees gather. It has several pillars, which have artistic carvings. It has sub-parts such as the Ardhamandapa (front part) and the Mahamandapa (large hall).

Garbhagriha: The inner sanctum of the temple, where the idol of the main deity is located. It is small, and only the priest can enter. It is located below the vimana.

Surroundings: The wall or compound surrounding the temple, which contains several sub-temples and a pond (pushkarani). This part makes the temple safe and orderly.

• Role of the Chola dynasty in shaping the Dravidian architectural style:

The Chola dynasty (9th to 13th century) is the dynasty that brought the Dravidian style to its peak, expanding the Pallava tradition and building huge stone temples. Their contributions are as follows.

Innovation and grandeur: The Cholas adopted the Pallava stone carving technique and made the vimana taller and more multi-storeyed. For example, the Brihadeshwara Temple (Thanjavur) built by Rajaraja Chola has a 216 ft high vimana, which has 13 sala and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple has an extension of the gopuram and mandapa, which influenced the later style.

Combination of art and engineering: They enhanced the sculptures in temples, such as in the Gangaikodcholapuram temple. The Cholas integrated water management (ponds and wells) with temples, which made Vastu Shastra practical. Their temples are characterized by carvings of gatekeepers and mythological scenes.

Cultural and political impact: The Cholas made temples centers of education, art and economy, encouraging sculptors and artists. This extended the Dravidian style to the Pandya and Vijayanagara dynasties and their temples are still a symbol of South Indian heritage. However, their contribution was mainly limited to the south and Islamic influence is less visible.

           Thus, the Cholas refined and refined the Dravidian style, which is important in the history of Indian architecture.