Rashtrakuta's architectural marvels

Today's blog is little focused on the architectural side of Maharashtra hailing from medieval period. But before talking about the architecture, let’s have a brief glimpse about early medieval period. This period lasted from 550 CE to 1300 CE which marked the rule of various indigenous dynasties, Islamic rulers along with the arrival of foreigners like Marco Polo through sea route.

One of such indigenous dynasties was Rashtrakuta Dynasty, that made various Hindu and Buddhist architectural contributions made by Rashtrakuta Dynasty to Maharashtra, that ruled large parts of Southern, Central and Northern India (755 CE to 975 CE).

They were primarily small clan heads in different parts of India, probably originally Dravidian farmers; they were the royal family of Lattalur (Latur, near Osmanabad). Several Rashtrakuta monarchs were devoted to learning and the arts that led to contribution towards art and architecture which was unique during this period. Many of the caves in present day Maharashtra and Karnataka state were created and renovated under the supervision of the Rashtrakutas.

To avoid confusion between the architectures, let me explain about them briefly.

Hindu architecture is divided into:

1. Garbhagruha is the inner sanctum

2. The Garbhagruha is crowned by Shikhara (North Indian architecture) and Vimana (South Indian architecture), which is the tallest portion of the temple.

3. Parikrama marg i.e an ambulatory path.

4. Mandapa hall i.e congregation hall in front of the Garbhagruha for devotees.

5. Antaraalgruha is a small passage between Mandapa and Garbhagruha.

6. The entrance porch known as Ardhamandapa.

Buddhist architecture is divided into:

1. A Stupa referring to a mound-like structure that contains some relic of Buddha or Buddhist monks.

2. Chaityagruha was a rectangular prayer hall with a stupa placed in the center.

3. Viharas i.e. monasteries which were the residences of the monks.

Located on an island called Gharapuri not far away from Mumbai, Elephanta Caves form a classic example of architectural contribution. There are 7 caves which were built between 5th and 6th centuries C.E., with 7m high “Sadashiv” in Cave 1, representing three essential aspects of Shiva: creation, protection, and destruction being the most popular. This specific image was inscripted under UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1987. Other Rashtrakuta sculptures include Nataraja (Lord Shiva in dancing form) relief as well as the magnificent Ardhanarishvara sculpture that depicts the interdependence of the feminine and the masculine aspects in the universe, for its creation, its sustenance and its destruction.

Sadashiv, Wikimedia Commons

Ardhanarishvara , Wikimedia Commons

Cave 10 which is also known as Vishwakarma Cave was built around 650 CE. Being most famous among the Buddhist Caves in Ellora, Aurangabad. It is the only Chaitya gruha in this complex having 30 octagonal columns and 3.30 m high seated Buddha at the end of the Chaitya hall. This cave temple is dedicated to Vishwakarma, the architect of the Gods, hence the name is Vishwakarma cave. The ribbed vault gives an echo effect in the hall when a person standing at one end of the columns of the cave makes any sound. Play the video to experience the echo effect (please use earphones for the best experience)

Cave 10, Vishwakarma Cave, Ellora Complex, Gargee Shirodkar

Cave 16 in Ellora complex, also known as ‘Kailash temple’ was built by the King Krishna I in the 8th century. The temple is built in Vesara style of architecture having its shikhara and pillars carved elaborately. This courtyard also houses Nandi shrine and five other shrines showing episodes of Hindu Epics. Some debatable facts which I found about this temple are:

1. This temple is said to resemble like the Kailash mountain due to its pyramidal structure resembling the mountain.

2. It is the world’s largest monolithic structure.

3. One of the most unimaginable fact of Kailash Temple is that it has been carved from top to bottom, by cut-out rock technique using just chisels and hammers

4. It has the world’s largest cantilevered rock ceiling (which seems to be impossible for a temple constructed thousands of years ago.)

5. More than 7000 laborers worked 16 hours a day and it took only 18 years to carve Kailash Temple.

6. It is said that in 1682, Aurangzeb sent 1000 people to destroy this temple but they could break and disfigure a few statues only as these sculptures were made from hard rock.

7. As per the locals, there used to be an underground city which could be traced through a tunnel under the temple but is currently closed due to security issues.

Cave 16, Kailash Temple, Ellora Complex, Gargee Shirodkar

Rashtrakuta's architectures demonstrate the religious harmonies prevalent during their period. During the past few decades, all these above mentioned sites have embarked in tourism facilitating overall regional development. Additionally, UNESCO’s World Heritage inscription on all of the sites mentioned above is considered to positively influence tourism demand. The Rashtrakuta Dynasty came to an end, but their impact has lasted till present through the form of their intricate and unique architecture. The parts of their kingdom were annexed by the later Cholas and other dynasties, but culturally, the architectures of their temples and caves bear testimony to the fine tastes of the Rashtrakutas and their patronage.