History of Gupta Architecture

History of Gupta Architecture

The architectural remains of Gupta period are available in the forms of temples, rock-cut caves, etc.

Temples

• The temples are the best specimens of Gupta architecture.

• In fact, the remains of temples start being found in India from the Gupta age.

• Not satisfied with caves, the Gupta was the first dynasty to build permanent freestanding temples (structural temples), and so they began a long tradition of Indian temple architecture.

Features of Gupta Temples

High Platform (Jagati/Adhisthan):

• Gupta temples were built on a high platform (Jagati/Adhisthan). In the center of the Jagati stood the principal shrine, which was accessed by a flight of steps on all four sides. Four lesser shrines stand at each corner of the complex.

Temple Roofs and Shikharas:

• Initially the roofs of temples were flat, but later on they also started making Shikharas (superstructures of temples).

Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum):

• A rectangular or square room was built inside the temple in which the idol was installed.

• It was the most important part of the temple, and it was known as Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).

• The Garbhagriha was often surrounded by walls on three sides and a gate on one side.

• The figures of Makarvahini Ganga and Kurmavahini Yamuna are found engraved on the doorframe of the Garbhagriha, which is a specialty of the Gupta period.

• Since there was a tradition of purifying oneself by bathing before entering the temple, statues of Ganga and Yamuna were carved at the doorframe.

Pradakshina Patha (Walkway):

• There was a covered Pradakshina Patha (walkway) around the Garbhagriha.

• Pradakshina (= Pra + Dakshina) means moving towards the right (Dakshina).

• The Pradakshina tradition is found in almost every religion.

Mandap (Pillared Pavilion):

• Earlier a pillared pavilion (Mandap) was built in front of the Garbhagriha, but later it started being built around the Garbhagriha.

Temples of Gupta Period

• Budh Dev Temple of Sanchi, Raisen Dist., Madhya Pradesh Sanchi

• Vishnu Temple of Tigawa, Jabalpur Dist., Madhya Pradesh

• Kankali Devi Temple of Tigawa, Jabalpur Dist., Madhya Pradesh

• Vishnu Temple of Eran, Sagar Dist., Madhya Pradesh

• Parvati Temple of Nachana-Kuthara, Panna Dist., Madhya Pradesh

• Shiv Temple of Bhumara, Satna Dist., Madhya Pradesh

• Vishnu Temple of Piparia, Satna Dist., Madhya Pradesh

• Dashawatar Temple of Deogarh, Lalitpur Dist., Uttar Pradesh Deogarh (First example of Panchayatan style, first example of Shikhara style)

• Krishna Temple of Bhitargaon, Kanpur Dist., Uttar Pradesh

• Luxman Temple of Sirpur, Raipur Dist., Chhattisgarh

• Temple of Mukund Darra, Kota Dist., Rajasthan

• Shiv Temple of Nagod, Satna Dist., Madhya Pradesh

• Shiv Temple of Khoh, Satna Dist., Madhya Pradesh

• Temple of Madhi, Jabalpur Dist., Madhya Pradesh

• Mani Nag Temple (Maniyar Math) of Rajgir, Nalanda Dist., Bihar

Panchayatan Style

• The temple-making style in which five shrines (1 principal shrine + 4 lesser shrines) were made, and each shrine has its own Shikhara.

Early Medieval Architecture

• There was all-round development of architecture in the early medieval period.

• From the point of view of the construction of temples, the early medieval period can be called the golden period of Indian history.

Final Thoughts

Gupta architecture is best known for its temples, marking the transition from rock-cut caves to freestanding temples. These temples were built on a high platform (Jagati/Adhisthan), with the central shrine accessible by steps and smaller shrines at each corner. Initially, the roofs were flat, but later Shikharas (tower-like structures) became common.

The Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), housing the idol, was the most sacred part of the temple. Pradakshina Patha—a walkway around the Garbhagriha—became a significant feature, and the Makarvahini Ganga and Kurmavahini Yamuna figures were carved on doorframes.

The Gupta period also introduced the Panchayatan style, seen in temples like the Dashawatar Temple at Deogarh, where five shrines, each with a Shikhara, were built. These temples laid the groundwork for Indian temple architecture, influencing future designs.