MARU GURJARA ARCHITECTURE

NAGARA ARCHITECTURE OF RAJPUTANA AND GUJARAT

SANA SONI

SHALLY SUHAG

• Māru-Gurjara temple architecture originated somewhere in sixth century in and around areas ofRajasthan

• Etymology• The name Maru Gurjara has its genesis in the fact that during

ancient times, Rajasthan and Gujarat had similarities in ethnic, cultural and political aspects of the society. Ancient name of Rajasthan was Marudesh while Gujarat was called Gurjaratra.

• "Maru Gurjara art" literally means "art of Rajasthan and Gujarat"

• Māru-Gurjara Architecture has two prominent styles Maha-Maru and Maru-Gurjara

There is a connecting link between Māru-Gurjara Architecture and Hoysala Temple Architecture. In both of these styles architecture is treated sculpturally.•Styles of Rajasthani architecture include:JharokhaChhatriHaveliStepwell (baoli or bawdi)JohadJaaliChar Bagh or Charbagh

JHAROKHA A jharokha (or jharoka) is a type of overhanging enclosed balcony used in Indian architecture, typically rajputana architecture, Mughal architecture, and Rajasthani architecture. Jharokhas jutting forward from the wall plane could be used both for adding to the architectural beauty of the building itself or for a specific purpose. One of the most important functions it served was to allow women in purdah to see the events outside without being seen themselves

CHHATRIS • Chhatris are elevated, dome-

shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture. Chhatris are commonly used to depict the elements of pride and honor in the Rajput architecture of Rajasthan. They are widely used, in palaces, in forts, or to demarcate funerary sites. Originating in Rajasthani architecture where they were memorials for kings and royalty, they were later adapted as a standard feature in all buildings in Rajasthan, and most importantly in Mughal architecture.

HAVELI• The term Haveli was first

applied in Rajasthan by the Vaishnava sect to refer to their temples inGujarat. In the northern part of India havelis for Lord Krishna are prevalent with huge mansion like constructions. The havelis are noted for their frescoes depicting images of gods, goddesses, animals, scenes from the British colonization, and the life stories of Lords Rama and Krishna.

STEP WELLS•Stepwells, are wells or ponds in which the water may be reached by descending a set of steps.•In Gujaratiand Marwari language, they are usually called vav or vaav.•All forms of the stepwell are examples of the many types of storage and irrigation tanks that were developed in India, mainly to cope with seasonal fluctuations in water availability.• A basic difference between stepwells on the one hand, and tanks and wells on the other, was to make it easier for people to reach the ground water, and to maintain and manage the well.

JOHAD

• A johad (Hindi: जो�हड) is a rainwater storage tank principally used in the state of Rajasthan,India, that collects and store water throughout the year, to be used for the drinking purpose by humans and cattle.

JALIA jali is the term for a perforated stone or latticed screen, usually with an ornamental pattern constructed through the use of calligraphy and geometry. Early work was performed by carving into stone, while the later used by the Mughals employed the technique of inlay, using marble and semi-precious stones. Jali typically use Floral geometric patterns.

SOLANKI TEMPLE

• The Solanki style of Temple Architecture that flourished in Gujarat has all the essential features of north Indian temples.

• But bears the closest affinity to Rajasthan style of architecture.

• On plan, it consists of sanctum, a closed hall and a porch that are interconnected internally and externally.

• The wall facades are broken by numerous indentations, projected and recessed alternately, which are continued along the elevation, producing a pleasing contrast of light and shade.

Site plan of Modhera Temple, Gujarat

Model of Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat

An exploration into the planning of Sun temple, Modhera An epitome of north Indian architectural style

• This temple was constructed at a time when the cult of Sun worship held its sway in many parts of India in the early medieval period.

• The Sun Temple is built on a raised plinth known as “ kharasala “

• The Sun Temple at Modhera is divided into three main sections axially aligned.

1. Surya Kund, which is an intricately carved, stepped tank named after Sun God Surya.

2. Sabha Mandap, which is a hall used for religious gatherings and conferences.

3. Guda Mandap, i.e. sanctum sanctorum, which once housed the Sun god.

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PLAN AND ELEVATION OF SOLANKI TEMPLES

DETAILS OF ELEMENTS OF SOLANKI ARCHITECTURE

SURYA KUND•This a rectangular stepped tank, 100sqm in area ,which was used to store water •108 miniature shrines are carved between the steps inside the tank .•It has 4 main temples at the extremes of the tank . •A ornamental arch called toran leads on to sabha madal .

GUDA MANDAPA•It is erected on a lotus shaped plinth. Its is designed such that the rays of the rising and setting sun on the equinox on the idol inside the sanctum .• here is an octagonal arrangement of 8 pillars (13’ high ) each.•The capital supports the toran on the top on which the dome is supported. •Dome is 23’ high where as the temple complex is 80’ long and 50’ wide .

GARBHGRIHA•There is deep ditch containing the idol of Lord Shiva.•There is a pradakhsina path around the garbhagriha which is covred with shikhara on the top.

SABHA MANDAPA

•Also known as nritya mandapa .•This is an open hipo-style which has 52 intricately carved pillars and 4 entrances .