The Odisha School: The Kalinga Style of Eastern India
The Odisha School of Nagara architecture, more commonly known as the Kalinga architecture, is a distinct and highly sophisticated sub-style that flourished in the ancient kingdom of Kalinga, corresponding to the modern state of Odisha and the northern parts of Andhra Pradesh. This architectural tradition has a long and continuous history, resulting in some of the most impressive and iconic temples in India.
The Kalinga Identity
While the Odisha School is a sub-style of the broader Nagara tradition, it has a unique identity that sets it apart. The architects and artisans of Kalinga developed their own set of architectural principles, which are codified in ancient texts like the Shilpa Prakash and the Bhubanapradipa.
Key Features of the Odisha School
The Odisha School is characterized by its three distinct types of temple structures, or deulas:
- Rekha Deula: This is the main sanctum tower, with a curvilinear form that is characteristic of the Nagara style.
- Pidha Deula: This is the assembly hall, or jagamohana, which has a pyramidal roof made up of receding horizontal platforms.
- Khakhara Deula: This is a rectangular structure with a barrel-shaped roof, typically used for shrines dedicated to goddesses.
For a more in-depth exploration of this rich architectural tradition, please refer to the following articles:
- An Introduction to Kalinga Architecture
- The Master Builders of Kalinga: A Hierarchy of Skill and Piety
- Sacred Stones and Auspicious Ground: Materials and Site Selection
- Building from the Ground Up: The Foundation and Construction
- The Anatomy of a Kalinga Temple: Bāḍa, Ganḍi, and Cuḷa
Notable Examples
- The Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneswar): A masterpiece of the Odisha School, this 11th-century temple is a massive complex with a towering 180-foot high shikhara.
- The Jagannath Temple (Puri): One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, this 12th-century temple is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture.
- The Sun Temple (Konark): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 13th-century temple is designed in the form of a colossal chariot for the sun god Surya.
The Odisha School, or Kalinga architecture, is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the remarkable artistic and engineering skills of the artisans of ancient and medieval Odisha.