30-01-2012, 03:41 PM
Gupta architecture
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THE GUPTA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE
The Gupta Period (4th-7th c AD) is often described as "the golden age “of art and architecture in India". During this period,
. The image of the Buddhist pantheon include Indra, Surya, Yakshas, Yakshis, dwarapalas, Mithuna couples, winged horses and mythical animals in Hinayana stupas and viharas as at Sanchi, Bharhut, Bodhgaya, Bhaja, Karle, Bedsa, Pitalkhoda and others and the Bodhisattvas, the Buddha, Tara and others in the Mahayana monuments as at Ajanta, Ellora, Auragabad, Karle, Bedsa, Pitalkhoda and Kanheri.
This period witnessed a tremendous resurgence of Hinduism when it became the official religion of the Gupta Empire.
Consequently, this era was also marked by the emergence of innumerable images of popular Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Images of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Surya and Durga evolved in this period. The Udaigiri caves in Madhya Pradesh house a colossal image of Lord Vishnu.
TIGWA TEMPLE JABALPUR M.P
Temple at tigwa near Jabalpur
They decided to build temples by more conventional constructive methods of masonry
The dimensions of tigwa temple are unassuming the sanctum being a square structure of 12 1 /2 ‘ side enclosing cella of 8’ dia .
Porch projects in front to 7’
A feature of portico pillars in several of these temples is the inter columniation, middle interval being wider than those of either side.
The façade owes its character almost entirely to the design of its pillars.
these main elements are termed as early Gupta “order “ each consists of
Massive abacus surmounted by device of lions.
Capital resembling a broad conventional vase.
Short shaft of many sides.
Plain square pedestal.
The other outstanding decorative feature of temple is doorway to the cella.
It expanded over door is survival of timber age when a wooden beam was placed over the opening and extended beyond the tops of the side posts to provide additional strength and stability .
The adoption of yakshini motifs which feastoons the projecting architrave to the Buddhist torana.
