Vesara style of architecture

Published on 11 Sep 2025

Also known as the Karnataka School of architecture, it was conceptualised under the later Chalukya rulers in the mid-7th century AD. It combined features of both the Nagara School and Dravidian school and resulted in a hybridised style. Some of its features are:

• Blend of Architectural Styles: It incorporates the square or rectangular sanctum of the Dravidian style with the elevated tower (shikhara) and curvilinear spire of the Nagara style. 

• Ground plan: Star shape or stellate plan (Mainly during Hoysala period) 

• Example: Chennakeshava temple at Belur

• Central Mandapa: These temples typically have a central pillared hall or mandapa. This mandapa is often square in shape and adorned with intricately carved pillars.

• Example: Kalleshvara Temple, Bagali

• Tower and Superstructure: Consists of tall, stepped tower that gradually recedes in layers. Unlike the Dravidian style, which has a single vimana, Vesara temples often have multiple towers rising in succession. 

• Example: Ramalingesvara temple, Gudur

• Open ambulatory passageway

• Example: Durga temple at Aihole

• Jagati: Constructed on an unraised platform 

• Example: Chennakeshava temple at Belur

Influence of Nagara and Dravida style on Vesara style of architecture 

• Nagara Influence

• Similarity in plan: Plan of shrine, subsidiary shrine, Panchayatan style bears similarity to Nagara School. The plan of vestibule joining the sanctum to mantapa bears resemblance to Orissa School of architecture.

• Example: Durga temple at Aihole

• Shape: Stepped diamond plan tin design arrangement is from northern region.

• Example: Chennakeshava temple at Belur

• Shikara: Curvilinear in form. Stepped and tiered shikharas

• Example: Ramalingesvara temple, Gudur

• Ornamental Elements: It incorporates the ornamental motifs and details seen in Nagara temples. 

• Decorative Doorways: Nagara style's decorative doorways with intricate carvings and sculptures are also found in Vesara temples.

• Example: Ramalingesvara temple, Gudur

• Dravida Influence

• Square or Rectangular Sanctum: Dravida influence can be seen in the square or rectangular shape of the inner sanctum housing the main deity.

• Example: Mahadeva temple, Ittagi

• Gopurams: Often incorporate scaled-down versions or simplified versions of gopurams, showcasing the influence of the Dravida style.

• Example: Chennakeshava temple at Belur

• Pillared Halls: Influence of the Dravida style can be seen in the design and presence of these pillared halls.

• Example: Kasivisvesvara temple, Lakkundi

• Distinct Features

• Distinct tower: The Chalukya builders altered the Dravida-style towers by reducing the height of each storey and arranging them in a descending order from the base to the top.

• Distinct mandapa: Square and domical ceiling standing on four pillars are very attractive.

• Example: Chennakeshava temple at Belur

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Vesara style of architecture Vesara style vesara architecture Indian architecture temple architecture Karnataka School Chalukya Nagara Dravidian Influence of Nagara and Dravida style on Vesara style of architecture Chennakeshava temple Belur mandapa Kalleshvara Temple Bagali Ramalingesvara temple Gudur vimana Durga temple Aihole ambulatory passageway Panchayatan style Curvilinear Sanctum Mahadeva temple Ittagi gopuram Kasivisvesvara temple Lakkundi

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Art and Architecture