Topic- salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
3) The Vijayanagar empire architecture was heavily borrowed from the earlier dynasties of the region. Analyze. (250 words)
Directive word
Analyze-here we have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts, and present them as a whole in a summary.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to look deeper into the Vijaynagar architecture and bring out how it was heavily borrowed from the art of earlier dynasties.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the Vijaynagar empire. E.g Vijayanagara or “city of victory” was the name of both a city and an empire. The empire was founded in the fourteenth century. In its heyday it stretched from the river Krishna in the north to the extreme south of the peninsula
Body-
Discuss in detail about the Vijaynagar architecture and write in detail about its relationship with the art and architecture of the earlier dynasties that ruled the southern parts of India. Give examples to corroborate your views. E.g
- Vijayanagar era architecture can be broadly classified into religious, courtly, and civic architecture.
- Its style is a harmonious combination of the Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya, and Chola styles that evolved in earlier centuries and represents a return to the simplicity and serenity of the past.
- It is also influenced by later Deccan and Dravidian styles.
- Preferred for its durability, local hard granite was the building material of choice, as it had been for the Badami Chalukyas.
- Vijayanagar temples are surrounded by strong enclosures and characterized by ornate pillared kalyanamandapa (marriage halls); tall rayagopurams (carved monumental towers at the entrance of the temple) built of wood, brick, and stucco in the Chola style; and adorned with life-sized figures of gods and goddesses.
- This dravida style became popular during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya and is seen in South Indian temples constructed over the next two centuries.
- The courtly architecture of Vijayanagar is generally made of mortar mixed with stone rubble and often shows secular styles with Islamic-influenced arches, domes, and vaults.
- Some famous temples exemplifying the Vijayanagar style include the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi and the Hazara Rama temple of Deva Raya I etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
