Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c27.27

c27.27

Two temples both planned on much the same general system, and which depict relatively compact but comprehensive examples of the later Dravidian style are at Tiruvarur in the Tanjore district, and at Tiruvannamalai. Both have records associating them originally with the earlier period of the southern mode, the former bearing inscriptions referring to the Chola period (850-1100), and the latter displaying in the east gopuram of its third circuit stylistic evidences that this gateway was built about 1300. Such temple therefore appears to have developed in the traditional manner, from what was at first a village shrine, through successive stages until it attained the ample proportions it now presents. The Tiruvarur temple contains a double shrine dedicated to Siva and his consort in the form of Valmikesvara, the two sanctuaries being placed side by side within a cloistered court measuring 191 feet by 156 feet, the only entrance being by a gopuram in the middle of the eastern side. This inner shrine, the nucleus of the whole, is recorded to date from the early fifteenth century, and probably existed in the same form for more than a century, when a second enclosed court was added increasing the whole to a square of 470 feet each way. With this were built two gopurams, on the east and west. Finally about 1700, the outermost circuit was constructed, measuring 957 feet by 726 feet having two large gopurams on the east and west, and three more of lesser size at other points. At the same time a thousand pillared hall was begun on the eastern side of the outer enclosure, but never finished. One of the finest features of the Tiruvarur temple is the eastern gateway, which although constructed as late as the early eighteenth century is as good an example of Dravidian art as can be seen anywhere. The three lower stories are particularly well produced, the lowest with its broad pilasters alternating with sunk recesses containing rearing hippogryphs being boldly conceived, while the two above have magnificent roll-mouldings and plinths carrying pillared niches in which are enshrined black basalt images remarkable for their architectonic treatment. (Plate LXIX, Fig. 2).