THE APPROACH
THE INTRODUCTION: Mention about the characteristics of Chandella artforms.
THE BODY
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- Write about the major features of Chandella artforms.
- Substantiate how nature of the sculptures filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigour and breadth of life.
THE CONCLUSION: Conclude by mentioning sculptures of Chandellas as hallmark of the artforms.
THE INTRODUCTION:
Chandella artforms are characterized by their intense energy, emotional depth and realistic portrayal of human and divine life. Their wide range of themes and sensuous sculptures reflect a blend of religious, social, and artistic traditions.
THE BODY
The temples built by the Chandella dynasty are prime examples of the Nagara style of temple architecture. These temples are known for their intricate design and a sense of grandeur.
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- Multiple Shikharas: A unique feature of Chandella artform is the use of multiple miniature sikharas which creates a visually stunning effect like a mountain range. The most impressive example of this is the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.
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- Raised Platform: The temples are built on a high platform, or jagati, which elevates the structure and provides a base for the temple complex. For example, Vishvanatha temple, a significant temple dedicated to Shiva includes a jagati, allowing for ritual performances.
- Interconnected Spaces: The temples typically have a series of interconnected halls on a single axis. These include the ardhamandapa, the mandapa, the antarala, and the garbhagriha. Many temples, like the Lakshmana Temple, are built in the Panchayatana style, with a central shrine surrounded by four smaller shrines.
Dynamic and expressive nature of the sculptures filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigour and breadth of life which are evident in:
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- Diverse Subject Matter: The Chandella artforms depicted variety of themes which provides a holistic view of the social, cultural, and religious life of the era. For example, Chandella sculptures are renowned for depicting a wide range of subjects, from divine beings, celestial dancers and scenes of daily life.
- Dynamic Postures: Another prominent feature in Chandella architecture is depiction of dynamic postures. For example, artforms are often depicted in dynamic posture as tribhanga pose, creating a sense of movement and grace. The dancers and musicians on the temple walls are shown with an animated fluidity that makes them seem alive.
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- Secular and Erotic Themes: A significant portion of the sculptures in Chandella artforms depict scenes from daily life, and most famously erotic scenes. These scenes are symbolic representations of fertility, spirituality and the union of the divine. For example, there are frequent sculptures of celestial nymphs and depiction of mithunas.
- Resilience and Power: Chandella artforms showcases a sense of physical strength which adds to the overall feeling of resilience and power. For example, human and divine forms are shown with a deep understanding of anatomy, showing powerful and well-defined muscles.
THE CONCLUSION:
The architectural style and the unique thematic elements of sculptures of Chandellas is hallmark of the artforms. The blend of sacred and divine in the Chandella artform showcases a worldview where all aspects of life were considered part of a spiritual journey.
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