The legacy of the Cholas, especially in the domains of art and architecture, continues to be remembered with immense pride. This model answer delves into the monumental achievements of the Cholas and their innovations in South Indian temple design which stand as testaments to their cultural and artistic excellence.

Q11. Though the great Cholas are no more, their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture. Comment.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Chola dynasty, which flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries, is renowned for its remarkable contributions to art and architecture. Their capital, Thanjavur, became a significant center for architectural innovation and cultural development.

Body

The Cholas are particularly celebrated for their temple architecture:

• Chola temples can be categorized in two groups – Early Temples and Later Temples; early temples are influenced with Pallava architecture while later have Chalukya influence.

• Structure: some text
  • Temples were surrounded by high boundary walls unlike Nagara.
  • The spire is in the form of a stepped pyramid, popularly known as Vimana. Pallava influence may be seen in spire/vimana similar to Rathas, an octagon shaped crowning element known as Shikhara,  and Kalasa which were also there on the top of gopurams
  • The sanctums of the Chola temples were both circular and square in size and the walls of the inner sanctum were beautified. 
• Panchayatan style, but no vimana on subsidiary shrines.
• Composition: The temple mostly consists of garbhagriha, antarala, sabha mandapa. Many temples are having pillared mandapams namely arthamandapa, maha mandapa and nandi mandapa.
• Presence of water tank inside the boundary of the temple.

Few examples of famous temples built by the cholas:

• The Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, built by Raja Raja Chola I, is a prime example. This temple, with its towering vimana (temple tower) and intricate carvings, exemplifies the Dravidian architectural style.
• Vijayalaya Temple, Built by Vijayalaya Choleshwar, the founder of Chola dynasty in 9th century CE. Located in Narthamalai in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu.
• Airavatesvara Temple, is a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture located in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. This temple, built by Chola emperor Rajaraja II in the 12th century CE is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur, the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram that are referred to as the Great Living Chola Temples.

Beyond temples, the Cholas made significant contributions to other areas of architecture:

• Sculptures: They were pioneers in creating exquisite bronze sculptures, such as the iconic Nataraja statue reflecting the mastery of the lost-wax casting technique.
• Construction works: The Cholas implemented grand irrigation projects, extensive canal systems and reservoirs like the Kallanai Dam, which improved agricultural productivity and supported their empire's economy.
• Literature: The Chola period witnessed a flourishing of Tamil literature, with the works of Kamban (Ramavataram) and the compilation of the Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar.
• Music and Dance: The Cholas patronized music and dance, evident in the inscriptions and sculptures at their temples. For example: on the walls of Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple.
• Administration and Governance: The Cholas introduced an efficient system of local self-governance, with the Ur and Sabha acting as village assemblies, providing a model for later dynasties.

Conclusion

The Chola temples remain an important part of India's rich cultural heritage and continue to inspire architects and artists alike. The sculptures and temples not only preserve the history and culture of the Chola period but also educate and inspire people about the rich heritage of India.

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