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Difference Between Nagara and Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture - Notes for UPSC!

Last Updated on Jun 26, 2023
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The art of temple building dates back to the Gupta period. Since then, the art of temple architecture has evolved in many phases. Hindu temple architecture evolved into many varieties over the centuries. The major classifications of this evolution can be distinguished between the Nagara style of architecture, the one that was followed in the North, and the Dravidian style of architecture followed in southern parts of India.

The topic of the Difference Between Nagara and Dravidian Styles of Temple Architecture is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, and it falls under the General studies paper 1 (Preliminary) and General studies paper 1 (Mains) under the Art and Culture section. For further information and an explanation, visit UPSC CSE Coaching here!

In this article, we shall discuss the Difference Between the Nagara and Dravidian Styles of Temple Architecture, the features of Nagara and Dravidian style of temples, the examples of both styles of temple architecture, and the similarities between the both for UPSC Exam.

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Difference Between Nagara and Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture

The Difference Between Nagara and Dravidian Styles of Temple Architecture has been mentioned in the table below for better understanding.

Sr. No

Area of Difference

Nagara Style

Dravidian Style

1.

Location

The Nagara style of temple architecture can be found in the Northern parts of India

Dravidian style of temple architecture can be found in the Southern regions of India.

2.

Tower

The tower is referred to as Shikara in the Nagara style of temple architecture.

One can find multiple shikara in the Nagara style of temple architecture.

Further, the Shikara in Nagara style curves inwards in Nagar Style.

The main temple tower is called Vimana in Dravidian style.

In the Dravidian style of temple architecture, only one Vimana is visible.

The Vimana here is like a stepped pyramid.

3.

Images outside the temple

Outside the temple, there is presence of erotic images (Mithunas) apart from the images of the river goddess, Ganga, and Yamuna

In the Dravidian style of temple architecture, sculptures of dwarpalas are seen.

4.

Presence of water tank

Water tank is absent in the Nagara style of temple architecture.

A large water reservoir or a temple tank is seen in south Indian temples.

5.

Gopuram

Gopuram is not prominent in Nagara style of temple architecture. Though, the presence of huge boundary walls can be seen in the Odisha school of Nagara architecture.

The southern temples are enclosed in a huge boundary wall called Gopuram.

6.

Crowing element

The crowing element is referred to as Kalash and Amalaka in this style.

Here, the crowing element is referred to as Shikara.

7.

Pedestal

Pedestal, in this style of architecture, is usually at ground level.

Here, the pedestal is placed at a higher level

8.

Purpose of temple building

In North India, temples are generally built for aesthetic purposes.

In South India, temples served larger purposes apart from aesthetic purposes like administration purposes, holding control over areas, as centres of education, etc.

9.

Location of deities

The deities are found inside the temple

Under Dravidian temples, deities are found outside the temples.

10.

Examples

Example of nagara style temple include Lakshman Temple, Sun Temple at Konark, Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar

Brihadeswara temple at Tanjore, Gangaikondacholapuram temple

Fig: Difference in styles of Nagara and Dravidian Temple architecture

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Nagara Style: Salient Features

The features of nagara style of architecture Re listed below.

  • Panchayatana temples are a type of Nagara temple that consists of a central shrine surrounded by four smaller shrines. 
  • The central shrine is dedicated to the main deity of the temple, while the four smaller shrines are dedicated to the deities of the four cardinal directions.
  • The Nagara style of temple architecture does not feature a water tank in the temple premises. 
    • This is because the Nagara style is based on the belief that water is a symbol of purity, and that temples should be kept pure.
  • The images of river goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, are often found outside the garbhagriha of Nagara temples. 
    • These images represent the purity of water, and their presence is meant to remind worshippers of the importance of purity.
  • The shikhara is the main tower of a Nagara temple. It is often divided into three types: Latina, Phamsana, and Valabhi. 
  • An Amalak is placed over the vertical end of the Shikhara. Over the Amalak is the spherical-shaped Kalash. 
  • The Nagara style of temple architecture is a beautiful and intricate style that is found throughout northern India. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Hindu temple builders.

Fig: Nagara temple architecture

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Dravidian Style: Salient Features

The salient features of the Dravidian style of temple architecture are:

  • The Dravidian style of temple architecture is a type of Hindu temple architecture that originated in southern India. 
  • It is characterized by its stepped pyramids, called vimanas, which rise up linearly rather than curving. 
  • Dravidian temples also feature a huge boundary wall, water tanks, and a covered ambulatory passageway around the garbhagriha, or inner sanctum, where the deity is worshipped.
  • Unlike the Nagara style of temple architecture, the subsidiary shrines in Dravidian temples do not have a vimana. 
  • There is only one vimana in Dravidian temples, and it is located on top of the main temple. 
  • The garbhagriha is connected to the assembly hall by a vestibular tunnel called the Antarala.
  •  Images of dwarapalas, or guardian deities, can be seen at the entrance of the garbhagriha.

Fig: Dravidian style of temple architecture

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Similarities between Dravidian and Nagara styles of architecture

Similarities between Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple architecture are as under:

  • The origin of both can be traced to regional dynasties of the time. E.g., Cholas and Chalukyas in the South and Solankis and Chandelas in the North.
  • Under both styles of temple building, equal emphasis has been placed on intricate carvings and the use of sculptures.
  • Both portray the society and literature of their time.

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Concluding Remarks

The temple architecture has evolved into multiple types over the passage of time to serve the aesthetic values of mankind. These temple architecture provide a cultural connection between the past and present times and portray the rich diversity of India.

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Difference Between Nagara and Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture FAQs

The main difference between Nagara and Dravidian style of temple architecture is that while Nagara style is prominent in North India, Dravidian style is found in the Southern regions of India.

The examples of Nagara Style of Temple Architecture are Lakshman Temple, Sun Temple at Konark, Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar.

The examples of Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture are Brihadeswara temple at Tanjore, and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.

Shikharas are main temple towers in the Nagara style of temple architecture whereas it refers to the crowing element in the Dravidian style of temple architecture. Gopurams are huge boundary walls found in Dravidian style of temple architecture.

The different styles of temple architecture are Nagara, Dravidian and Vesara styles.
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