Ganga dynasty, either of two distinct but remotely related

Indian dynasties. The Western Gangas ruled in Mysore state (Gangavadi)

from about 250 to about 1004 CE. The Eastern Gangas ruled Kalinga from
1028 to 1434–35.

The first ruler of the Western Gangas, Konganivarman, carved out a

kingdom by conquest, but his successors, Madhava I and Harivarman,
expanded their influence by marital and military alliances with
the Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Kadambas. By the end of the 8th century a
dynastic dispute weakened the Gangas, but Butuga II (c. 937–960) obtained
extensive territories between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers, ruling
from Talakad (the capital) to Vatapi. Repeated Chola invasions cut contact
between Gangavadi and the imperial capital, and Talakad fell into the hands
of the Chola ruler Vishnuvardhana in about 1004. Most of the Western
Gangas were Jainas, but some patronized Brahmanical Hinduism.

The Eastern Gangas arose to intermarry with and challenge the Cholas and
Chalukyas in the period when the Western Gangas had been forced to
abandon this role. Early dynasties of the Eastern Gangas ruled
in Orissa from the 8th century, but Vajrahasta III, who assumed the title of
Trikalingadhipat (ruler of the three Kalingas) in 1028, was probably the first
to rule all three divisions of Kalinga. His son Rajaraja I waged war on the
Cholas and the Eastern Chalukyas and strengthened the dynasty by
marrying a Chola princess, Rajasundari. Their son, Anantavarman
Chodagangadeva, ruled from the mouth of the Ganges (Ganga) River in the
north to the mouth of the Godavari River in the south; he began building the
great Jagannatha temple at Puri at the end of the 11th century.

The Ganga period temples, constructed primarily during the 4th to 10th centuries CE, reflect a
significant phase in the evolution of South Indian temple architecture. The Ganga dynasty, which
ruled over parts of present-day Karnataka, particularly around the Kolar and Bangalore regions,
played a key role in the religious and cultural landscape of the area.

MEANING

The "Architecture of Ganga period temples of the Bangalore environment" refers to the
distinctive architectural style and design features of temples constructed during the reign of the
Ganga dynasty (circa 4th to 10th centuries CE) in the region that is now part of modern-day
Bangalore (in the state of Karnataka, India). These temples were built to honor Hindu deities,
particularly Shiva, Vishnu, and other gods, and they played a central role in the religious,
cultural, and social life of the time.

The Ganga dynasty, which ruled the region, made significant contributions to the development of
temple architecture. The architecture of this period is notable for its blend of local regional styles
and influences from broader South Indian traditions, particularly the Nagara (North Indian)
Dravidian (South Indian) architectural styles.
and Dravidian (South Indian) architectural stylandDravidian (South Indian) architectural styles.

CONTENT

The architecture of temples from the Ganga period in the region around Bangalore (present-day
Karnataka) reflects a rich blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles. These temples were constructed
during the rule of the Ganga dynasty, particularly from the 4th to the 10th century CE. The
Gangas were one of the early dynasties that played a key role in the development of South Indian
temple architecture, influencing the cultural landscape of the region. Here's a detailed breakdown
of the architecture of temples built during the Ganga period:

1. General Features of Ganga Period Temples

 Timeframe and Dynastic Influence: The Ganga dynasty ruled in present-day

Karnataka, and their capital was initially at Kolar, later shifting to Talakadu and other
places. During this period, the Ganga rulers embraced and promoted Hinduism,
constructing temples dedicated to various deities, particularly Shiva and Vishnu, which
led to the flourishing of architectural traditions.
 Temple Layout and Design: The typical Ganga period temple followed the classical
South Indian plan, combining elements of both the Nagara and Dravidian styles.
However, they still retained regional variations unique to the Ganga period:
o Sanctum (Garbhagriha): The main sanctum (or Garbhagriha) was typically a
small, square room where the primary deity was enshrined. The sanctum would
often be made of stone, showcasing the evolving stone-carving techniques during
the period.
o Shikhara (Vimana): Above the sanctum, a tower (called the Shikhara or
Vimana) would rise, though it was relatively simpler compared to later Chola or
Vijayanagara temples. These towers were often pyramidal in shape, with multiple
tiers.
o Entrance (Mandapa): Most temples had an open hall (Mandapa) in front of the
sanctum. These halls were used for congregational activities and rituals. In the
Ganga period, these Mandapas were simple, but they gradually became more
ornate in later centuries.

2. Material and Construction Techniques

 Stone Construction: The Ganga period saw a significant transition from wooden to
stone temples, marking a period of evolution in architectural techniques. They made
extensive use of local granite and sandstone, which were durable and ideal for intricate
carvings.
 Shilpa Shastra Influence: The Gangas were influenced by traditional Indian
architectural principles, known as Shilpa Shastra, which guided the design of the temple
structure. The plans were generally geometric, with detailed proportions for all parts of
the temple.

3. Carvings and Iconography

  Sculptures and Reliefs: One of the most striking features of Ganga period temples is
their rich sculptural decoration. Stone reliefs depicting deities, mythological stories,
animals, and floral patterns were a key aspect of temple art. These sculptures are
generally less intricate than those in later periods, but still demonstrate the early mastery
of stone-carving techniques.
o Deities: Temples would have images of primary deities like Shiva, Vishnu,
Durga, and Ganesha, often in various postures and poses (such as standing,
seated, or in dancing posture).
o Architectural Detailing: The walls of the temples were often adorned with
niches containing figures of gods, goddesses, and other deities. Figures like
Gajalakshmi (the goddess of wealth), Nataraja (dancing Shiva), and Vishnu in
his various incarnations were carved into the stone walls.
o Foliage and Geometric Patterns: The carving style was not just about deities but
also included intricate foliage, lotus motifs, and geometric patterns.

4. Distinctive Elements in Ganga Temple Architecture

 Vimana and Shikhara Design: The Ganga temples were known for their relatively
simple, yet elegant, vimanas (towers) above the sanctum. The Ganga period’s towers
were less complex than those seen in later periods, with fewer tiers and simpler
ornamentation. However, they had distinct architectural characteristics:
o They generally had a stepped pyramidal shape.
o Carvings on the vimanas typically included simple designs of gods, celestial
beings, and mythical animals.
 Pillars and Mandapas: The pillars in Ganga period temples were strong and robust, with
occasional carvings and intricate detailing, but they were not as elaborate as later period
Vijayanagara or Chola temples. The Mandapas, or open halls, in front of the sanctum
were typically covered by a roof supported by these sturdy pillars.

The Nageshvara temple complex (also spelt Nagesvara and called Naganatheshvara
locally) is located in Begur, a small town within the Bangalore urban district of
Karnataka state, India. Two shrines within the temple complex, the Nageshvara swamy
main deity was consecrated by Rishi’s and temple were commissioned during the rule of
Western Ganga dynasty kings Nitimarga I (also called Ereganga Neetimarga, r. 843–870)
and Ereyappa Nitimarga II (also called Ereganga Neetimarga II, r. 907–921). The
remaining shrines are considered a later day legacy of the rule of the Chola dynasty,
Hoysala dynasty, Vijayanagara Empire over the region. Ravana villain in Ramayana lost
his atma linga in Gokarna and while returning to Sri Lanka he worshiped Nageshwara.
An Old Kannada inscription, dated c. 890, that describes a "Bengaluru war" (modern
Bangalore city) was discovered in this temple complex by the epigraphist R.
Narasimhachar. The inscription is recorded in "Epigraphia Carnatica" (Vol 10
supplementary). This is the earliest evidence of the existence of a place called
Bengaluru.The Nageshvarasvami temple, also a Western Ganga construction, faces east,
has a square plan for the sanctum, a vestibule, an open hall, a detached hall called mukha-
 mantapa whose ceiling is supported by eight pillars. An image of Nandi is placed in the
mukha-mantap making it serve the purpose of a Nandi-mantapa (Nandi hall). The base of
the entrance (dvara) is flanked by niches with images of Ganga-Yamuna figures with
attendant ladies. This appears to be a Chalukya–Rashtrakuta influence.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, or Sri Gangaadhareshwara, also Gavipura Cave

Temple, an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, is located in Bengaluru in the state of
Karnataka in India. The temple is famous for its mysterious stone discs in the forecourt
and the exact planning allowing the sun to shine on the shrine during certain time of the
year. It was built in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of the city.This
cave temple dedicated to Shiva. It is believed to have been built by Gautama Maharishi
and Bharadwaja Muni in the Vedic period. It was later renovated in the 16th century CE
by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru.One of the oldest temples in Bengaluru,
Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple was built by Kempe Gowda in recognition after being
released from a prison term of five years by Rama Raya. The temple Gavi is an
architectural marvel that attracts the faithful by the hordes.Temple architecture Built in a
natural cave in Gavipuram, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and cut into a
monolithic stone. The courtyard of the temple contains several monolithic sculptures. The
main attractions of Gavi Gangadhareshvara temple are two granite pillars that support the
giant disk of the sun and moon, and two pillars having several carvings of Nandi in a
sitting posture at the top.[2]: 1632 The temple is also known for its four monolithic
pillars, representing Damaru, Trishul and two large circular discs on the patio.

Two paintings dated 1 May 1792 CE by Thomas and William Daniell brothers shows that
the temple has gone through some construction work with new walls and enclosures.

Conclusion

The architecture of the Ganga period temples in the Bangalore region is characterized by a mix
of simplicity and functionality, reflecting the religious and cultural shifts during the early
medieval period of South India. The Gangas, through their temples, laid the foundation for the
elaborate architectural traditions seen in later dynasties. These early temples played a crucial role
in the development of Dravidian temple styles, influencing not only the region but the broader
history of temple architecture in South India.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

WEBSITES

en.wikkipedia,org

www.karnataka.com
www.nativeplanet.com

www.thedineindia.com

myoksha.com

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