ASTOUNDING ARCHITECTURE OF KARNATAKA

Karnataka is known for its rich and varied architecture showcasing some of the finest examples of Islamic, Hindu, Jain & Colonial architecture. The state has been ruled by some of the most powerful Indian empires from the Cholas, Chalukyas, and Hoysalas to the Vijayanagar Empire, each leaving behind an imprint in the form of monuments and temples built.

The cities of Gulbarga, Bijapur, and Bidar in the northern area have Indian Islamic Architecture. Karnataka is also the chief of Hindu cultural center of the 18th century.

Kadamba Shikara

The Kadambas of Banavasi offered a significant contribution of architectural heritage like the royal dynasty of Karnataka from 345-525 CE. The most significant of them being the Shikara or dome as the basic feature of architecture. The Kadambas have a Kalash at the top and sometimes the shikhara pyramids are adorned with perforated screen windows. Similar structures are seen in the Mahakuta Temple of Hamp as well.

Panchkuta Basadi

Also known as Jain Basadi, it is one of the most beautiful monuments in the state. It depicts a mix of Vesara, Nagara, and Dravidian style of architecture. This was built in the period between 900 and 1000 CE. The temple has five shrines, thus giving it its name Panchkuta.

The three shrines are linked to the mandapa using a vestibule. The other shrines lie to the north of Trikuta.

Badami Cave Temple

The cave temples emerged in Karanataka under the Chalukyan Empire. The capital city of the Chalukyas, Badami, has four cave temples carved from the cliff sides, one Jain and three Hindu Temples. The cave holds architectural elements like decorative brackets & pillars, fine sculpture carvings, and ornamented ceiling panels. The entrance is a simple verandah with brackets and stone columns. The entrance verandah leads to a columned mandap and then to the sanctum sanctorum, deep within the cave.

Papanatha Temples

the temple is made under the Vesara style. while the construction began under the Nagara Style but later changed to the Dravidian Style. The temple plan has a sanctum Sanctorum surrounded by a pradakshinapatha. The pavilions were made on three walls along with an entrance porch known as Mukhamandapa. One of the important features of the temple is the arched Shikara that enshrines the Natraja at the front.

Sudi Monuments

These are rare stone-carved buildings, depicting twin-towered temples with extensive stone carvings. Sudi was one of the major towns of the Kalyani Chalukyas during 1000 CE. There is also a tower besides these towers known as Hude in the center of the village. Many sone temples were built by Maha Samanthadhipati Naga Deva in 1100 CE. The monuments showcase unique architectural features and have captured the attention of the Karnataka State Archaeological Department.

Somnathpura

Known for Chennakesava Temple, The Kesava Temples were made by Soma. Following Hoysala Architecture, Soma is known to have been a highly revered commander under Narasimha III, The Hoysala King. The temples are laid out in perfect symmetry with intricately detailed stone carvings.

Gol Gumbaz

One of the best examples of Indo-Islamic architecture style is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The structure is built in decorated plaster and grey basalt. It has a vast square chamber of 50 m on each side, covered by a massive dome of 37.9 m. The Gol Gumbas holds the second largest pre-modern dome in the world, making it a significant structure. The building is surrounded by octagonal domed corner towers instead of the usually seen pillars.

`7Karnataka holds more than these amazing structures of architectural brilliance. The state holds a treasure of history and heritage. Home to a momentous architectural influence, the massive palaces are still owned by royalty, holy revered temples & UNESCO World heritage sites.