Incredible rock-cut monuments of Deccan

by Velamuri PURNIMA

In the Mauryan era during the reign of Emperor Asoka, there arose a movement in the Indian subcontinent which resulted in a series of temples and other religious structures being excavated into rock which have survived the vicissitudes of time.

The northern half of the Indian Peninsula which comprises the Deccan and the Andhra - Karnataka areas, that are roughly those parts that came under Mauryan Empire imbibed more from the penetrating art and culture especially the rock-cut architectural form. The most outstanding feature of the rock-cut monument art has been from the Buddhist times the dominance of sculpture over architecture, known as sculptural-architecture.

Lion figure of Kalinga

Ajanta and Ellora in Western India are good examples of this trend in sculpture and architecture.

This was facilitated by the softness of the stone material found in the Deccan plateau.

Ajanta

The story of Ajanta is fascinating. Sometime in the second century BC the rugged cliff, carved out by a river was chosen to be the site of a great Buddhist establishment.

There are 31 caves in all, and it is believed that they were carved in the 2nd century BC as a retreat for Bhikkhus during the rainy season. Ajanta is also famous for its beautiful murals.

Ajanta's paintings and sculptures are considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

Some paintings reflect the Theravada tradition of depicting the Buddha only in symbolic form such as a throne or foot prints, Others feature colourful murals.

The ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves of Ajanta bequeathed to us a three-fold artistic heritage. Havell, a leading art historian early in this century had this to say about them.

Symphony

"Very rarely in the world's history has there come together that true symphony of the three arts: Painting, sculpture and architectonic design creating the most perfect architecture which are so beautifully harmonised at Ajanta".

Ajanta was built over a period of time. In the first phase Bhikkhus and artisans sculpted out shrines for prayer and monasteries for their stay.

The next phase began around the fifth century AD with Chaitya halls and Viharas for Bhikkhus who portrayed in their paintings and sculptures images of the Buddha, their spiritual teacher and guide. The volcanic rock of the Deccan plateau, rich in minerals provided the colours for the paintings. The caves were carved out of the solid face of the hillside, sculpted with pillars, rooms and images and painted almost simultaneously.

Sigiriya

Another interesting point to note here is the marked similarity between the paintings of Ajanta and Sigiriya. The Indian architectural and painting tradition underwent a evolution at Sigiriya.

Similarly in Deccan there were subtle variations in style and their evolution over the years.

The story of southern Indian stone architecture begins on the sandy beaches of Mahabalipuram and from here goes on to reach incredible heights in the Deccan Plateau at Vijayanagar, which is also known as Hampi.

Vijayanagar (victory city), the 14th century capital of Vijayanagar empire lies in the Deccan heartland, in the state of Karnataka.

The ruins of Vijayanagar empire in and around the village of Hampi are spread over an area of more than 25sq kms.

They are one of the most fascinating historical sites in southern India.

The monolithic sculptures and monuments along the temples are attractive because of their excellent workmanship. The architecture found at Hampi reflects the culture and splendour of the Vijayanagar empire.

Lord Vishnu

The Vitthala temple, the most splendid monument of Hampi dedicated to Lord Vishnu is on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra river. The monument dating back to the 15th century and is known for its extensive sculptured work, ornate pillars and the carvings that decorate them.

The temple is also famous for its beautifully carved towers and halls. Some of the pillars in the hall contain figures of women dancers and drummers and beautiful multi-petalled lotus carvings.

This is one of the most ornate Vijayanagar temples built over a period of time.

Here tapping certain stone pillars produces harmonics that can only be described as ethereal and its something that's quite impossible. To imagine until you hear a tune being tapped out on a stone carving of a drum.

If one strikes the pillars and puts his ears to the cold stone, he will hear the seven notes of music "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Da Ni", the clang of Kanjira, the tinkle of the flute and the beats of the drum.

The stone chariot in front of the temple is very impressive. Its stone wheels, each shaped in the form of a lotus, revolve. The artisans of Vijayanagar empire made one significant change in Hampi. In all the places throughout their vast empire they adapted the hard stone tradition instead of the then prevalent softstone construction. Hampi was no exception.

Amazing Saga

The story of Vijayanagar is the amazing saga of how a tiny hamlet grew into the sprawling medieval metropolis. Its temples are so fabulous that Hampi can be called an open air museum of temples. The boulders and rocks of Deccan plateau are ingrained with history and culture and Vijayanagar civilisation had raised the craft of sculpture to its glorious heights.