Nagara Style: North Indian Temple Architecture

A Journey Through Sacred Stone and Sculpture from Post-Gupta to Rajput Eras

Explore The Legacy

Introduction to Nagara Architecture

Following the foundational developments of the Gupta Age, North Indian temple architecture evolved into a distinct and elaborate style known as the Nagara style. This period, broadly spanning from the Post-Gupta era to the Rajput period (c. 6th to 13th centuries CE), witnessed the full crystallization and diversification of the Shikhara (spire) and the development of regional variations.

The Nagara style is characterized by its prominent curvilinear Shikhara and the absence of elaborate boundary walls or Gopurams, unlike its southern counterpart. This section will delve into the general features of the Nagara style, and then explore its prominent regional schools – the Kalinga (Odisha) School, the Khajuraho (Chandela) School, and the Solanki (Maru-Gurjara) Style, each showcasing unique architectural refinements and sculptural richness. Understanding these diverse manifestations is key to appreciating the grandeur and complexity of North Indian temple building.

Source: NCERT Class 11, Nitin Singhania, George Michell, IGNOU AHI-01.

Nagara Style: Core Architectural Elements

The Nagara style evolved from Gupta prototypes, focusing on the Shikhara as its most prominent element.

Shikhara (Spire/Superstructure)

The most defining feature, a curvilinear tower rising majestically over the Garbhagriha. Symbolizes the cosmic mountain, connecting earthly and divine realms.

Types:

  • Rekha-Prasad/Latina: Simplest, square base, curvilinear outline, ribbed effect.
  • Phamsana: Broader, shorter, pyramidal roof of receding slabs (for Mandapas).
  • Valabhi: Rectangular base, wagon-vaulted roof (less common for main shrines).

Amalaka & Kalasha (Finials)

The crowning elements atop the Shikhara.

Components:

  • Amalaka: A large, fluted, disc-like stone member resembling a ribbed fruit. Marks the culmination of the Shikhara.
  • Kalasha: A pot-like finial placed on top of the Amalaka. Symbolizes prosperity and abundance, crowning the entire temple.

Garbhagriha & Antarala

The sacred core and its immediate access.

Description:

  • Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum): The innermost, usually square chamber housing the main deity. Remains the core for devotional practice.
  • Antarala (Vestibule): A narrow transitional space connecting the Garbhagriha to the Mandapa. Creates a sacred passage and controls access.

Mandapa & Jagati

Spaces for congregation and elevation.

Details:

  • Mandapa (Hall): Pillared halls in front of the Garbhagriha. Multiple types (Ardhamandapa, Mukhamandapa, Sabhamandapa, Nrityamandapa) provided space for devotees.
  • Jagati (Platform): A raised platform on which the entire temple complex is built. Gives prominence and often provides a circumambulatory path.
  • Absence of Boundary Walls and Gopurams: Unlike the Dravida style, Nagara temples generally do not have elaborate boundary walls or towering gateway Gopurams. The Shikhara is the dominant external feature.
  • Cruciform Plan (sometimes): The temple plan often takes on a cruciform shape due to the projections (rathakas) from the central axis.
  • Sculptural Richness: Walls are often richly carved with images of deities, mythological narratives, and decorative motifs.
  • Panchayatana Layout (common): Many Nagara temples follow the Panchayatana plan, with a main shrine and four subsidiary shrines at the corners, creating a five-shrine complex (e.g., Khajuraho).

Regional Schools of Nagara Style

The Nagara style diversified into distinct regional schools, each with its unique interpretations and embellishments, influenced by local patronage and artistic traditions.

Kalinga (Odisha) School

Developed in Odisha under Eastern Ganga and Somavanshi patronage. Known for its distinct terminology and a clear division of temple parts.

Key Features:

  • Deula: The temple proper, encompassing Garbhagriha.
  • Jagamohana: The main Mandapa (assembly hall).
  • Rekha Deula: Tall, curvilinear Shikhara over Garbhagriha.
  • Pidha Deula: Mandapa with pyramidal roof of receding platforms.
  • Khakhara Deula: Rectangular plan, barrel-vaulted roof (for goddess temples).
  • Simple enclosure walls, profuse sculptural decoration.

Key Examples:

  • Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (11th C. CE)
  • Sun Temple, Konark (13th C. CE - UNESCO World Heritage Site, chariot design)
  • Jagannath Temple, Puri (12th C. CE)

Khajuraho (Chandela) School

Built by Chandela rulers (c. 950-1050 CE) in Bundelkhand (MP). Known for its elaborate iconography and unique structural integration.

Key Features:

  • Built on high platforms (Jagati), often Panchayatana style.
  • Interconnected Chambers: Garbhagriha, Antarala, Mandapas form a continuous internal unit.
  • Multiple Shikharas (Urushringas): Main Shikhara surrounded by smaller ones, creating a mountain range effect.
  • Famous for elaborate and sensual **Erotic Sculptures** on exterior walls, depicting Kama, Dharma, Artha, Moksha.
  • Absence of boundary walls.

Key Examples:

  • Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (c. 1025-1050 CE, Shiva)
  • Lakshmana Temple (c. 954 CE, Vishnu)
  • Parsvanath Temple (Jain)

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Solanki (Maru-Gurjara) Style

Developed under Solanki rulers in Gujarat and Rajasthan (c. 10th - 13th centuries CE). Known for its unparalleled ornamentation.

Key Features:

  • Extreme Ornamentation: Rich, intricate carvings covering every surface, inside and out.
  • Open Mandapa: Often features an elaborately carved Sabhamandapa (assembly hall) open on all sides.
  • Domed Ceilings: Mandapas often have richly carved domed ceilings supported by numerous pillars.
  • Step-wells (Baolis/Vav): Unique, highly developed multi-storeyed structures often associated with temple complexes.
  • Extensive use of white marble, especially in Jain temples.

Key Examples:

  • Sun Temple, Modhera (c. 1026 CE, dedicated to Surya, features Surya Kund).
  • Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu (11th-13th C. CE, Jain, renowned marble carvings).
  • Rani ki Vav, Patan (11th C. CE - UNESCO World Heritage Site, step-well).

Other Significant Nagara Sub-Styles

  • Pala and Sena Architecture (Eastern India - Bengal/Bihar, c. 8th-12th CE): Primarily associated with Buddhist monastic complexes (e.g., Nalanda, Vikramshila) made of brick. Temples often followed a Rekha-Prasad Shikhara style with terracotta ornamentation. Example: Siddheswar Mahadev Temple, Barakar.
  • Pratihara Architecture (Central India, c. 8th-10th CE): Built in Central India (e.g., Gwalior). Generally smaller, simpler temples. Example: Teli ka Mandir, Gwalior Fort (unique for its Valabhi Shikhara and mixed influences). Sas-Bahu Temple, Gwalior.
  • Paramara Architecture (Malwa, Central India, c. 9th-13th CE): Built around Bhojpur (near Bhopal) and Indore. Example: Bhojpur Temple (incomplete, massive Shiva Lingam), Udayesvara Temple at Udaypur.

Nagara Temple Styles: A Comparative Summary

School Region Patronage Key Architectural Features Prominent Examples Distinctive Art/Sculpture
Odisha (Kalinga) Odisha Eastern Ganga, Somavanshi Rekha Deula (main shrine), Pidha Deula (Jagamohana), Khakhara Deula (goddess) Lingaraj Temple, Sun Temple (Konark), Jagannath Temple Elaborate, often sensual, Kalinga motifs, unique Kalasha
Khajuraho (Chandela) Bundelkhand (MP) Chandelas High platform (Jagati), Panchayatana, continuous internal space, clustered Shikharas (Urushringas) Kandariya Mahadeva, Lakshmana Temple, Parsvanath (Jain) Famous for intricate erotic sculptures, celestial figures
Solanki (Maru-Gurjara) Gujarat, Rajasthan Solankis Highly ornate, open Mandapas (Sabhamandapas), domed ceilings, associated with Step-wells (Baolis) Sun Temple (Modhera), Dilwara Temples (Mount Abu), Rani ki Vav (Patan) Exceptionally delicate marble carvings, rich internal decoration
Other Minor Bengal/Bihar (Pala), Gwalior (Pratihara), Malwa (Paramara) Various Brick temples, Valabhi type Shikhara sometimes, regional variations Nalanda (brick), Teli ka Mandir (Gwalior), Bhojpur Temple Terracotta (Pala), varied regional styles

Conclusion & Enduring Legacy

The Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture, emerging from the Gupta period, represents a distinct and powerful trajectory in India's architectural history. Characterized by its towering, curvilinear Shikhara and the absence of massive gateway towers, it diversified into magnificent regional schools, each with its unique aesthetic.

The Kalinga school's Rekha and Pidha Deulas, the Khajuraho school's interconnected Mandapas and clustered Shikharas (along with their famous erotic sculptures), and the Solanki school's intricate carvings and grand step-wells all attest to a period of remarkable artistic and engineering prowess.

These temples were not just places of worship but also vital centers of community life, royal patronage, and sculptural brilliance. The enduring legacy of the Nagara style, with its myriad regional variations, continues to define the architectural landscape of North India and remains a testament to India's rich cultural heritage.

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims MCQ - PYQ 2017

Q. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:

  1. White marble was used in the construction of the Lomas Rishi Cave.
  2. The Barabar Caves were excavated and dedicated to the Ajivikas by Emperor Ashoka.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • (a) 1 only
  • (b) 2 only
  • (c) Both 1 and 2
  • (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b)

Hint: Lomas Rishi Cave is rock-cut from granite/gneiss, not marble. Barabar Caves were for Ajivikas by Ashoka.

Prelims MCQ - PYQ 2016

Q. Which of the following is/are the feature/features of the Dravidian style of temple architecture?

  1. The presence of a grand gopuram at the entrance.
  2. Use of a single, monolithic rock for the entire temple.
  3. A pyramidical tower called Vimana.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • (a) 1 only
  • (b) 2 and 3 only
  • (c) 1 and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Hint: Direct contrast with Nagara style. Monolithic rock is specific to some early Pallava temples (Rathas), not a general feature of all Dravidian temples.

Mains Question (UPSC Style)

Q. Compare and contrast the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture, highlighting their defining features and significant regional variations. (250 words)

Value Points:

  • Introduction: Define Nagara (North Indian) and Dravida (South Indian) as primary temple styles.
  • Key Differences: Shikhara vs. Vimana (curvilinear vs. pyramidal), Gopuram (absent/minor in Nagara, towering in Dravida), Prakara Walls (absent in Nagara, elaborate in Dravida).
  • Regional Variations (brief examples): Nagara (Kalinga, Khajuraho, Solanki); Dravida (Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara).
  • Conclusion: Both reflect distinct regional expressions, evolving from common lineage but developing unique principles.