The Kakatiya Art and Architecture: A Study of Ganapuram – Kotagullu Temples
Author : Dr. N Mallaiah
Abstract :
The Kakatiya dynasty (11631323 CE) is the golden age in the history of Telangana, which was characterized by a spectacular combination of art, architecture, engineering. The Ganapuram-Kotagullu temple complex in Jayashankar Bhupalapalli district is one of the legacies left behind by the empire as a representation of piety and artistic excellence. The main shrine, Ganapeshwaralayam, devoted to the Lord Shiva, was built by Samantha Ganapathi Reddy, and it is an indication of the splendid architectural style of the Kakatiya temples.
The complex was built using the vesara architecture, a combination of the Dravidian and Nagara architecture, which initially had 22 shrines with strong rampart walls. Its architectural design consists of Garbha Griha, Antarala, Mandapas and carved pillars, ceilings and doorways. The sculptural features such as graceful Madanikas, mixed creatures such as Gaja-Vyala and Kinnari-Vyala, mythological figures that are triumphant of the skill of the artisans.
The temples were cultural hubs of dance, music and socialization on top of worship and they represented the Kakatiya ideal of a cultural blend between devotion and community living. The site was, however, repaired during the modern times after being ruined during the fall of the dynasty. Ganapeshwaralayam is an active temple today particularly in Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam which traces back the spiritual and artistic heritage of the Kakatiyas.
Keywords :
Kakatiya Dynasty, Ganapuram–Kotagullu Temples, Vesara Architecture, Telangana Heritage, Temple Art and Sculpture, Deccan Architecture in Medieval Times.
