One of the most celebrated manifestations of Indian architecture is to
be found in a group of temples at Khajuraho in central India. Situated
a hundred miles south-east of the town of Jhansi
in the modern-day state of Madhya Pradesh, these temples are over thirty in
number. These temples, unlike many others in central or south India, do not
illustrate a development over a long period of time, but were erected over a
relatively narrow period of hundred years from A.D. 950. The Khajuraho temples
represent, one might say, a happy and almost unique coincidence of religious
emotion, abundant patronage, artistic genius, and aesthetic sensibility.
Fortunately, these temples have weathered the climate for a thousand years and
have withstood neglect surprisingly well.
The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of the Chandelas.
While some show marks of a Shaivite sensibility, others clearly manifest the
influence of Vaishnaism, Jainism, and tantrism. These temples have an
architectural character distinct from that of any other group of temples
elsewhere in the country. Instead of being contained within the customary
enclosure wall, each temple stands on a high and solid masonry terrace. Though
none of the temples are very large, they are still imposing structures because
of their elegant proportions and rich surface sculpture.
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THE TEMPLES Khajuraho Temples photo Kanha national park
The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples
is very different from the temple prototype of that period. Each stands, instead
of within the customary enclosure, on a high masonry platform. Combined with
the upward direction of the structure, which is further accentuated by vertical
projections, the total effect is one of grace and lightness, reminiscent of the
Himalayan peaks. Each of the chief compartments has its own roof, grouped in
such a way that the highest is in the centre, the lowest over the portico, a
triumph of skill and imagination in recreating the rising peaks of a range.
Khajuraho (Hindi: खजुराहो) is a
village in the Indian state of Madhya
Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur
District, about 620 kilometres south east of Delhi,
the capital city of India.
The Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the most popular tourist
destinations in India,
Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain
temples, famous for their erotic
sculpture. The name Khajuraho, ancient "Kharjuravahaka", is derived
from the Sanskrit word kharjur meaning date palm. Home - Mining Engineer First Class Mines Manager Profile Kanha national park (M P) India Khajuraho Temples |
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