KHAJURAHO GROUP OF MONUMENTS
US$ 5 per person
Khajuraho, the
ancient Kharjjuravahaka, was the principal seat
of authority of the Chandella rulers who adorned
it with with numerous tanks, scores of lofty
temples of sculptural grace and architectural
splendour.
The local tradition lists eighty-five
temples but now only twenty-five are standing
examples in various stages of preservation.
But for
Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva which are
of granite, all the other temples are of fine
grained sandstone, buff, pink or pale yellow in
colour.
Yasovarman (AD
954) built the temple of Vishnu, now famous as
Lakshmana temple is an ornate and evolved
example of its time proclaiming the prestige of
the Chandellas.
The Visvanatha,
Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples belong to
the time of king Dhanga, the successor of
Yasovarman.
The Jagadambi, Chitragupta are
noteworthy among the western group of royal
temples of Khajuraho.
The largest
and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal
Kandariya Mahadeva which is attributed to king
Ganda (AD 1017-29).
The other
examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha,
Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but
elaborately designed.
The Khajuraho
group of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati)
and functionally effective plans.
The sculptural
embellishments include, besides the cult images;
parivara, parsva, avarana devatas, dikpalas, the
apsarases and sura-sundaris which win universal
adminration for their ornamentation embrace the
winsome grace and charm.
GROUP OF MONUMENTS AT HAMPI
US$ 5 per person
Traditionally
known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha. Hampi is
situated on the southern bank of the river
Tungabhadra.
Once it was the seat of the mighty Vijayanagara empire.
The monuments
of Vijayanagara city, also known as Vidyanagara
in honour of the sage Vidyaranya were built
between AD 1336-1570, from the times of Harihara-I
to Sadaviva Raya.
A large number of royal
buildings were raised by Krishnadeva Raya (AD
1509-30), the greatest ruler of the dynasty.
The period
witnessed resurgence of Hindu religion, art,
architecture in an unprecedented scale.
The
contemporary chroniclers who came from far off
countries - such as Arabia, Italy,
Portugal and
Russia visited the empire, have left graphic and
glowing accounts of the city.
It covers an area
of nearly 26 sq. km and is stated to be enclosed
by seven lines of fortifications.
Extensive
remains of the palaces can be seen within
innermost enclosure of the ancient Vijayanagara.
The various religious and secular structures
which include Hindu and Jain temples, audience
hall of the king, the magnificent throne
platform to witness the festivals and other
events, the king's balance (tulabhara) are
awe-inspiring.
Temples of
this city are noted for their large dimensions,
florid ornamentation, bold and delicate
carvings, stately pillars, magnificent pavilions
and a great wealth of iconographic and
traditional depictions which include subjects
from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The
largest extant temple is that of Pampapati (now
in worship) was extensively renovated. Its
magnificent entrance tower was caused by
Krishnadeva Raya.
The Vitthala
temple is an excellent example of Vijayanagara
style.
The monilithic statues of Lakshmi,
Narasimha and Ganesa are noted for their
massiveness and grace. The Krishna temple,
Pattabhirama temple,
Hazara
Ramachandra and Chandrasekhara temple as also
the Jaina temples, are other examples.
Majority
of these temples were provided with widespread
bazaars flanked on either side by storyed
mandapas.
Among secular
edifices mention may be made of the Zenana
enclosure wherein a massive stone basement of
the Queen's palace and an ornate pavilion called
'Lotus-Mahal' are only remnants of a luxurious
antahpura.
The corner
towers of arresting elevation, the Dhananayaka's
enclosure (treasury), the Mahanavami Dibba
carrying beautifully sculptured panels, a
variety of ponds and tanks, mandapas, the
elephant's stables and the row of pillared
mandapas are some of the important architectural
remains of this city.
Recent
excavations at the site have brought to light a
large number of palatial complexes and basements
of several platforms.
Interesting finds include
a large number of stone images, both in round
and relief, beautiful terracotta objects and
stucco figures that once embellished the
palaces.
In addition
many gold and copper coins, household utensils,
a square stepped-tank (sarovara) at the
south-west of Mahanavami Dibba, and a large
number of ceramics including the important
variety of porcelain and inscribed Buddhist
sculptures from sunrise to sunset.
GROUP OF MONUMENTS, PATTADAKAL
US$ 5 per person
Pattadakal was
not only popular for Chalukyan architectural
activities but also a holy place for royal
coronation, 'Pattadakisuvolal'.
Temples
constructed here mark the blending of the Rekha
Nagara Prasada and the Dravida Vimana styles of
temple building.
The
oldest temple at Pattadakal is Sangamesvara
built by Vijayaditya Satyasraya (AD 697-733). It
is a simple but massive structure.
Virupaksha temple of the Chalukyan period served
as a model for the Rashtrakuta ruler to carve
out the great Kailasa at Ellora.
The sculptural art of the early Chalukyas is characterised by
grace and delicate details.
The
ceilinig panels of the navagrahas, dikpalas, the
dancing Nataraja, the wall niches containing
Lingodbhava, Ardhanarisvara, Tripurari,
Varahavishnu, Trivikrama bear ample testimony to
the sculptor's skill as well as the cult worship
in vogue.
The
narrative reliefs illustrating certain episodes
from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and
Panchatantra fitted well with these grand
religious edifices.
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