Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c33.14

c33.14

Passing now to the series of Brahmanical buildings at Brindaban of a much later date, this town, although small in itself, figures very large in the minds of many on account of its association with Krishna, as it was the scene of some of this popular god's most notable exploits. Here is a group of five temples, all built of red sandstone, and in a style of architecture different from any others of their kind; these temples are (1) Gobind Devi, (2) Radha Ballabh, (3) Gopi Nath, (4) Jugal Kishore, and (5) Madan Mohan. The mode adopted in their design is a purely local development, confined solely to Brindaban, and was the outcome of an exceptional concurrence of circumstances. In the first place these temples are relatively late in date, as they were all produced towards the end of the sixteenth century or the beginning of the seventeenth, a period corresponding approximately to that covered by the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) By this time the Islamic style of architecture introduced and fostered by the Muhammedan rulers, had obtained a firm hold, although hitherto confined entirely to the buildings belonging to that creed. Owing however to the "Great Mogul's" notable toleration, the temples at Brindaban were allowed to be erected in the heart of his dominions, being in most instances built to the order of certain Hindu princes who had allied themselves to the Mughal power. The reason for the selection of this site is explained by the fact that just previously there had been a widespread revival of the Krishna cult, brought about by the preachings of the famous Vaishnava reformer, Chaitanya (1486-1534).