Variations in Dravidian Architecture: Kerala and Sri Lanka
While the core principles of Dravidian architecture are consistent across Southern India, there are regional variations that reflect the unique cultural and environmental contexts of different areas. The architecture of Kerala and Sri Lanka are two notable examples of this.
The Architecture of Kerala: An Adaptation to the Monsoon
The version of Dravidian architecture found in Kerala is significantly different from that of the rest of South India. The most striking feature of Kerala architecture is its sloping roofs with projecting eaves. This is an adaptation to the heavy monsoon rainfall that the region experiences. The roofs are often arranged in a number of tiers, and there is usually a stone core below a timber superstructure.
Large temples are rare in Kerala, and the ground plans of the temples are often circular. The development of multi-building complexes came relatively late in Kerala, and the temples tend to be smaller and more intimate than their counterparts in other parts of South India.
The architecture of Kerala goes back to the Chera dynasty in the 12th century, and it has a unique charm and beauty that is all its own.
The Architecture of Sri Lanka: A Close Connection to South India
The culture of Sri Lanka is closely connected to that of South India, and this is reflected in its architecture. The city of Jaffna, which is located on the northern tip of Sri Lanka, has a large Tamil population, and the architecture of this region is very similar to that of Tamil Nadu.
In the former royal city of Nallur, there are architectural ruins of the Jaffna kingdom, which show a clear Dravidian influence. From the 18th century onwards, Dravidian architecture was heavily adopted by the Tamil-speaking populations of Sri Lanka for the construction of Hindu religious sites.
The variations in Dravidian architecture found in Kerala and Sri Lanka are a testament to the adaptability and versatility of this architectural style. They show how a common set of principles can be adapted to different contexts to create a rich and diverse architectural landscape.