Indian temple architecture and sculpture -Chalukyan Art
In direct contrast to the square structure of the Ladha
Khan is the Durga temple, a Bramanical adaptation of the
Buddhist rock –cut Chaitya halls of western India. The rectangular apsidal
ended structure with a protruding porch is crowned by a short square sikara, a
new feature in the Indian architecture of that period. Some of the most
beautiful sculptures decorate the apse of this temple and the pillars of the
front mandapa.
A simplified version of the Durga temple is the shrine of
the Huchchimalli. It shows the next step in the development of temple
architecture, for it contains an antarala or vestibule in front of the garbhagriha
(sanctum).
Indian temple architecture and sculpture
Of over 70 temples built in Aihole (one of the interesting
being the Kont- Gudi) one could mention the Jain temple of Meguti which excels
in the high quality of its craftsmanship. The temples of Aihole are very
important in that they trace the evolution of Indian temple architecture and
sculpture.
Tamil Nadu tourist place-Mahabaleswara temple
South of the Chamundeswari temple is the tiny Shiva temple of Mahabaleswara which is interesting from
the Historical point of view. A large number of inscriptions have been found
in the temple and on the brass-plated doorways. The oldest of these dates back
to about 950 A.D. during the reign of the Gangas.