Shiva's Waterfront Temples: Architects and Their Audiences in Medieval India

The book Shivas Waterfront Temples explores the medieval Deccani temple complexes at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pattadakal, with careful attention to their makers and how architects and builders approached the sites. It reconstructs how architects and builders approached the sites, including their use of ornamentation, responsiveness to courtly values, and juxtaposition of Nagara and Dravida aesthetics. With over 130 color illustrations, the book elucidates the Deccans' special place in the lexicon of medieval South Asian architecture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

The captivating illustrated volume delves into the medieval Deccani temple complexes at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pattadakal, paying meticulous attention to their creators. Subhashini Kaligotla, a prominent voice in the field of South Asian art history, brings a fresh and compelling perspective to this specialized domain.

Dating back to the eighth century or earlier, the vibrant red sandstone temples of India's Deccan Plateau, including the renowned Pattadakal temple cluster, have beckoned visitors with their awe-inspiring beauty. Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the coronation place of the Chalukya dynasty, holds immense historical significance. In Shivas Waterfront Temples, Subhashini Kaligotla explores the context in which these architectural marvels existed, shedding light on the perspectives of their makers and the awe-struck visitors of their time.

Kaligotla reconstructs the creative process behind these sites, delving into the techniques employed by architects and builders. She highlights their use of ornamentation, their responsiveness to courtly values like pleasure and play, and the ingenious fusion of the Nagara and Dravida aesthetics, a unique blend found exclusively in Deccan plateau architecture. Accompanied by over 130 color illustrations, this original book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Deccan region's distinctive contribution to medieval South Asian architecture.

Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Subhashini Kaligotla has enriched our understanding of these remarkable temple complexes, highlighting their architectural prowess, cultural significance, and historical importance. Shivas Waterfront Temples is a valuable addition to the literature on South Asian art and history, captivating readers with its captivating illustrations and profound insights.

Dimension: 254 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300258943