The early Chalukyas of Badami (c. 6th-8th centuries) are known to have built a large number of rock-cut and structural temples, scattered over the entire Karnataka. In this south Indian state, their distinctive monuments can be seen in Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal, Mahakuta, and a few other places. By the end of the 6th century, they had also excavated highly impressive rock-cut temples at Badami and Aihole. These Early Chalukyan monuments are of special interest - for they mark a transition from cutting into rock to free-standing constriction. They are distinctive for their architectural styles as well. In these religious monuments can also be perceived an intermingling of Dravida and Nagara idioms to produce schemes that combine myriad attributes, derived from different traditions. This splendid technical and stylistic variety is further supplemented by local architectural practices, which come to be blended with the more widespread Dravida and Nagara idioms. Apart from all this, these Early Chalukyan temples are remarkable for the sheer beauty of their figural and decorative carvings.00For the first time, perhaps, this book offers a comprehensive study of the Early Chalukya temples from the Central Karnataka region. With prefatory chapters on their historical backdrop, architectural nuances and sculptural art, George Michell meticulously examines both the rock-cut and free-standing temples of Badami, Mahakuta, Aihole, and Pattadakal – together with over a hundred of his measured drawings which, taken from his Ph.D dissertation, present an exhaustive graphic documentation, never attempted before. In addition, the book includes about 200 at-once-engaging photographs, taken by Surendra Kumar – a specialist in panoramic topographic views.00Dr George Michell is a widely reputed architect, who, in collaboration with John M. Fritz, has successfully completed numerous documentation and research projects at Hampi, Vijayanagara.

History and administration of the rulers of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami, Bijapur District, Karnataka; ca. 500-ca. 757.

You may have a lot of questions about the art and architecture of Karnataka. There may be queries about the various heritage touring circuits. You might like to understand what went into designing, planning and constructing monuments over a thousand year ago. You may still wish to know how art and architecture progressed during the ancient and medieval times in Karnataka. This book attempts to answer a lot of these questions, for example: 1.What is the name of the first established Village in South India and where is it located? 2.Where did the earliest gold miners live in Karnataka? 3.Which was the first Agrahara established in Karnataka? 4.Which is the first existing temple dedicated to Siva in Karnataka? 5.Which is the first existing temple dedicated to Krishna in Karnataka? 6.What roles did temples have other than being the places of worship? 7.Which is the first temple dedicated to Rama in Karnataka? 8.What was Karnataka referred to as in the Puranic times? 9.Which is the first existing temple dedicated to Shakti in Karnataka? 10.How old is the Kannada language?

Nataraja, the dancing Siva sculpture, is perhaps the most well-known among all Hindu sculptures, and rightly so. It has evoked highly advanced discussions among scientists, philosophers, performing artists, art critics, art collectors, historians, archaeologists and mythologists. The Nataraja sculpture also occupies a pride of a place at CERN, the European Centre for Research in Particle Physics in Geneva. Siva, according to Hindu Mythology, was the very first dancer in the world. All dramaturgy and dance traditions emerge from Siva’s cosmic dance. Tandu, Siva’s disciple narrated the description of Siva’s dance to Bharata Muni and he is believed to have compiled the Natyasastra, the world’s first treatise on dramaturgy, dance and other performing arts. Scholars believe that the Natyasastra was written over a long period of time between the 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE with contributions from various sages, with its foundation having been laid by Bharata Muni. Convergence between Hindu mythology, Natyasastra and Silpasastra was the natural outcome. Karnataka, and its temple architecture tradition, played a pioneering role in giving an artistic form to this convergence in its temple sculptures. Though this trend may have started earlier during 2nd and 3rd century CE, it started to take the center stage from the times of the Badami Chalukyas. Passing through various refinements between 5th and 10th centuries, it reached its peak with the Hoysala art. This book traces the history of temple sculpture evolution and development through the centuries by referring to the existing sculptural forms and the canonical literature that developed over time.

Study of architecture.