Ancient Egyptian Architecture - Pyramid

  Ancient Egyptian Architecture: The Step Pyramid Introduction In the realm of ancient Egyptian architecture, the Step Pyramid stands as a remarkable testament to human ingenuity, spiritual beliefs, and cultural significance. Designed by the visionary architect Imhotep, the Step Pyramid complex at Saqqara represents a monumental shift in architectural design and marks the transition from earlier burial structures to the iconic pyramids that define the landscape of Egypt. This exploration of the Step Pyramid delves into its origins, design, construction, functions, symbolism, and enduring legacy. Origins and Architectural Innovation The Step Pyramid is attributed to Pharaoh Djoser, who ruled during the Early Dynastic Period of ancient Egypt, around 27th century BCE. Imhotep, the chief architect and polymath, conceived and oversaw the construction of this pioneering architectural marvel. Imhotep's innovative vision led to the departure from the traditional mastaba form—a flat-roofed ...

chola and nayak paintings of brihadesvara temple

 chola and nayak paintings of brihadesvara temple  

The Brihadesvara Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple or the Big Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was built by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century AD and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola period. The temple is also renowned for its rich collection of paintings, including the Chola and Nayak paintings. 


Chola Paintings: The Chola dynasty was known for its patronage of the arts, including painting. The Chola paintings found at the Brihadesvara Temple are considered some of the finest examples of Chola art. These paintings were created between the 9th and 13th centuries AD and are known for their exquisite detail and vivid colors. 

The Chola paintings at the Brihadesvara Temple depict scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the life of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Parvati. These paintings were originally created as frescoes on the walls of the temple, but many of them have since been moved to the Brihadesvara Temple Museum for preservation. 


One of the most famous Chola paintings at the temple is the "Dakshinamurti" painting, which depicts Lord Shiva as the "teacher of the south". The painting is located in the inner sanctum of the temple and is considered one of the most sacred images in Hinduism. 

Nayak Paintings: The Nayak dynasty, which ruled in the 16th and 17th centuries AD, continued the tradition of painting at the Brihadesvara Temple. The Nayak paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate designs. 

The Nayak paintings at the Brihadesvara Temple depict scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the "Ramayana" and the "Mahabharata". These paintings were originally created as murals on the walls of the temple, but many of them have since been transferred to the Brihadesvara Temple Museum for preservation. 

One of the most famous Nayak paintings at the temple is the "Gopura Darisanam" painting, which depicts the towering gopuram or entrance gate of the temple. The painting is known for its intricate details and vivid colors. 

In conclusion, the Chola and Nayak paintings at the Brihadesvara Temple are considered some of the finest examples of Indian miniature painting. These paintings are not only beautiful works of art but also offer valuable insights into Hindu mythology and the history of the Chola and Nayak dynasties. 

We can't paste this image from the Clipboard, but you can save it to your computer and insert it from there.We can't paste this image from the Clipboard, but you can save it to your computer and insert it from there. 

chola and nayak paintings of brihadesvara temple in 8000 words 

The Brihadesvara Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple or the Big Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Built by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century AD, the temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola period. The temple is renowned for its rich collection of paintings, including the Chola and Nayak paintings. 

Chola Paintings: 

The Chola dynasty, which ruled in South India from the 9th to the 13th centuries AD, was known for its patronage of the arts, including painting. The Chola paintings found at the Brihadesvara Temple are considered some of the finest examples of Chola art. These paintings were created between the 9th and 13th centuries AD and are known for their exquisite detail and vivid colors. 


The Chola paintings at the Brihadesvara Temple depict scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the life of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Parvati. These paintings were originally created as frescoes on the walls of the temple, but many of them have since been moved to the Brihadesvara Temple Museum for preservation. 

One of the most famous Chola paintings at the temple is the "Dakshinamurti" painting, which depicts Lord Shiva as the "teacher of the south". The painting is located in the inner sanctum of the temple and is considered one of the most sacred images in Hinduism. The painting shows Lord Shiva seated under a banyan tree, surrounded by his disciples, who are shown in various poses of meditation and devotion. The painting is known for its intricate details and vivid colors. 


Another famous Chola painting at the temple is the "Karaikkal Ammaiyar" painting, which depicts the life of a female saint who lived during the 6th century AD. The painting shows the saint in various poses of meditation and devotion, as well as scenes from her life, such as her encounter with Lord Shiva. The painting is known for its intricate details and vibrant colors. 

Nayak Paintings: 

The Nayak dynasty, which ruled in South India from the 16th to the 18th centuries AD, continued the tradition of painting at the Brihadesvara Temple. The Nayak paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate designs. 

The Nayak paintings at the Brihadesvara Temple depict scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the "Ramayana" and the "Mahabharata". These paintings were originally created as murals on the walls of the temple, but many of them have since been transferred to the Brihadesvara Temple Museum for preservation. 


One of the most famous Nayak paintings at the temple is the "Gopura Darisanam" painting, which depicts the towering gopuram or entrance gate of the temple. The painting is known for its intricate details and vivid colors. The painting shows the gopuram in all its glory, with its towering height and intricate carvings. The painting is also notable for the way in which it captures the play of light and shadow on the surface of the gopuram. 

Another famous Nayak painting at the temple is the "Ramar Pattabhishekam" painting, which depicts the coronation of Lord Rama. The painting shows Lord Rama seated on a throne, surrounded by his family and courtiers, as he is crowned king of Ayodhya. The painting is known for its intricate details and vivid colors, as well as its depiction of the splendor and opulence of the royal court. 

The Influence of Chola and Nayak 

We can't paste this image from the Clipboard, but you can save it to your computer and insert it from there.We can't paste this image from the Clipboard, but you can save it to your computer and insert it from there. 

The Influence of Chola and Nayak 

The Chola and Nayak dynasties had a profound influence on the art and culture of South India, and their paintings at the Brihadesvara Temple are a testament to their artistic and cultural legacy. 

The Chola paintings at the temple are characterized by their exquisite detail and vivid colors, and they depict scenes from Hindu mythology with great skill and imagination. The Chola painters used a variety of techniques, such as frescoes, to create their works, and they also incorporated elements of sculpture and architecture into their paintings. The Chola paintings at the Brihadesvara Temple are considered some of the finest examples of Chola art and are regarded as national treasures. 


The Nayak dynasty, which came after the Cholas, continued the tradition of painting at the Brihadesvara Temple. The Nayak paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate designs, and they depict scenes from Hindu mythology with great skill and imagination. The Nayak painters also used a variety of techniques, such as murals, to create their works, and they were known for their ability to capture the play of light and shadow in their paintings. 

The influence of the Chola and Nayak dynasties can be seen not only in their paintings but also in their architecture, sculpture, and literature. The Brihadesvara Temple itself is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, and it is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola period. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology, and it is considered a masterpiece of Indian art and architecture. 


In addition to their contributions to art and architecture, the Chola and Nayak dynasties also made significant contributions to literature. The Cholas, for example, were known for their patronage of Tamil literature, and they commissioned numerous works of poetry and prose that are still celebrated today. The Nayaks, too, were patrons of literature, and they supported the development of Tamil and Telugu literature during their reign. 

The influence of the Chola and Nayak dynasties can also be seen in the culture and traditions of South India. The festivals and rituals that are celebrated in the region today are often based on ancient traditions that were established during the reigns of these dynasties. The Chola and Nayak paintings at the Brihadesvara Temple are a testament to the enduring legacy of these great dynasties, and they continue to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.

टिप्पणियाँ

इस ब्लॉग से लोकप्रिय पोस्ट

unit 3

Brahmanical deities

amun temple at karnak in detailed