3 Review(s)

Karnataka has a rich temple culture and thousands of temples have been erected by the rulers of different dynasties like Kadambas, Badami Chalukyas, Gangas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyana Chalukyas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara, as well as by Mahamandalesvars, feudatories, ministers, dandanayakas, savants, trading classes, citizens and devotees. The temple architects freely experimented under royal patronage. Aihole in Hunugunda taluk of Bagalkot district known as the “Cradle of Temple Architecture" experimented with Nagara, Dravida, Kalinga, and Vesara styles; Mahadeva Temple at Ittagi in Yalburga taluk of Koppal district is known in the inscription as ``Devalaya Chakravati' (Emperor of Temples). Likewise, the Hoysala temple is noted for its star shape with minute and intricate Carvings, and the Vijayanagara temples are noted for magnificent gopuras, popularly known as`` Rayagopuras''. Although many books on different aspects of Karnataka temples have been published, the author has tried to present a comprehensive study of major and minor temples with full details including ground plans and elevations. The Karnataka temples are classified based on ground plans. Eight such major categories, viz.., gajapristha, ekakuta, dvikuta, trikuta, chatus-kuta, panchakuta, saptakuta and navakuta are studeid.Chapters I and II refer to the introduction to temples, the general history of important dynasties of Karnataka, and their contribution to the growth of temples. Chapter III deals with the type of temples constructed by Karnataka rulers. Chapter IV provides the ground plans and elevations of different types of temples in Karnataka.