INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The chief features of Chola temples are their massive vimanas or towers and spacious courtyards. Most of the Chola temples were built in the Dravidian style.

Detailed explanation-2: -The holy place of Chola temples were both in a circular and square shape. Special vimanas were built on the upper side of the shrine room where the idol of deity was placed. Dome-shaped shikhara and Kalash were placed on the top of the Gopuram.

Detailed explanation-3: -Special Features of the Chola Architecture The dvarapalas, or guardian figures, at the entrance to the mandapa, or hall which started from the Palava period became a unique feature of the Chola Temples. The Dravidian Style got fully developed after a transition from the rock cut structures of the Pallava Period.

Detailed explanation-4: -Many majestic temples were built by the Chola dynasty and their rulers. However, only three are regarded as the “Great Living Chola Temples, ‘’ including the temple of gangaikonda cholapuram, the brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur, and the airavatesvara temple at darasuram.

Detailed explanation-5: -Chola temples can be categorised in two groups – Early Temples and Later Temples; early temples are influenced with Pallava architecture while later have Chalukya influence. Temples were surrounded by high boundary wall unlike Nagara. The spire in in the form of stepped pyramid, popularly known as Vimana.