Question

The maturity attained by Chola architecture is reflected in the two magnificent temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Substantiate.

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer to this question should be divided into three parts:

• Give a brief introduction about the Early Chola epoch temples.
• Mention that later Chola epoch show architectural maturity.
• Talk about the Big Temple of Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.

Solution:

• The early Chola epoch, where the Chola architecture focussed increasingly on the use of a number of devakoshtas or niche figures.
• The structures built in the late Chola epoch reflect architectural maturity. Two best examples of this architectural maturity are: Thanjavur Big temple and Brihadeshwara temple.
• The Big temple of Thanjavur was a huge temple completed by Rajaraja Chola. It has one of the tallest man-made shikaras of the world with a height of 216 feet. Due to its massive height, the shikara is called the Dakshina Meru.
• Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple was built by Rajendra Chola. The temple height is 55 metres. The sanctum has two storeys as in the big temple at Thanjavur. Niche figures on the outer wall feature imagery of Shiva, Vishnu, and other gods.