Famous temples built during the reign of several empires in South India
Chalukyan architecture
The Chalukyan architecture is a blend of Nagara and Dravidian styles, and can be observed in temples built in Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal. These temples lack a covered ambulatory path. The Virupaksha temple in Pattadakal, modeled after the Kailashnath temple, is considered the masterpiece of Chalukyan architecture. Additionally, the Rameshwaram temple in Ellora, constructed during the 7th century, was also built during the Chalukyan era. Noteworthy monuments built during this period include the Lad Khan temple and Durga temple in Aihole.
Rashtrakuta architecture
The successors of the Chalukyas built temples that mostly imitated the Chalukyan style. The Kailas temple at Ellora, constructed during the reign of Krishna II, is a representative example of the architecture of this empire. Another temple built during this period is the Navalinga Temples in Kukkanur.
Hoysala temple architecture
The Kesava temple in Belur was constructed during the reign of Vishnuvardhana to celebrate his victory over the Cholas and represents the art of this era. It features numerous shrines arranged in a central pillared hall in the form of a complex star-shaped design. Similar designs can be found in other temples of the time period, such as in Halebid and Somnathpur. Another well-known temple from this period is the Hoysaleswara temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Vijayanagara architecture
The Vijayanagar style of architecture is a lively blend of Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya, and Chola styles. The use of local hard granite as the primary building material is reminiscent of the Badami Chalukyas. These temples are distinguished by their elaborate pillared halls and towering rayagopurams adorned with life-sized sculptures of deities, which are located at the temple entrance. The carved pillars of Vijayanagar temples are also noteworthy, featuring charging horses, figures from Hindu mythology, and yali (hippogriphs). Many of the larger temples have separate shrines for the male and female deities. The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi and the Hazara Rama Temple of Deva Raya I are among the well-known temples that showcase the Vijayanagar style.
