Question

What was the role of temples during the Chola Dynasty?

Answer 1

Hint: -Temples constructed during the Chola Kingdom used to dominate over every aspect of life.
-These monuments formed a strong social and economic Tool in the age of the Chola Empire.
-They have not only fulfilled people's spiritual needs but have also played a vital role in shaping their material lives.

Complete answer: The Chola kings were ardent builders and believed that the temples are not only a place for worship but also as centres of economic activity in their kingdoms. Not only were the Chola rulers mighty conquerors and great administrators, but great builders as well. They were great patrons of art; the most magnificent temples and beautiful bronze icons in South India were built during their rule.
There are three great temples from the $11^{th}$ and the $12^{th}$ centuries, i.e. The temple of Airavatesvara at Darasuram, the temple of Brihadisvara at Gangaikondacholapuram and the temple of Brihadisvara at Thanjavur
The temples owed their economic value to grants of land. Significant events such as the establishment of a dynasty, the coronation of the Crown Prince, and royal military expeditions contributed to the building of a new temple or to the construction of a new temple.

During this time, temples were the nucleus of settlements. As temple construction would provide employment to people, which resulted in a settlement around temples. They were the centres of the development of crafts and managed the financial aspects connected with them as well.
The temple used to be the king's legitimate source of strength, local congregations were held in temples, music and dance were performed there, temples were used to offer charity and feed hungry people, and celebrate festivals.
Under the royal patronage of the imperial Chola rulers, Chola temples flourished. With their influences from Amravati art school and various other contemporary schools, the artists patronised by them boosted the Dravidian styles of architecture to a greater height.
Lands were given to temples for the maintenance of the daily routine. Most land donations were made during the Chola rule. the king donated lands along with other things too.
They were, therefore, not only religious centres but also the centre of economic, educational, social and cultural life. Under the Cholas, the Dravidian form of art and architecture achieved perfection. Chola temples have been noted for their international significance due to their grandeur and hence receive special protection by UNESCO as a world heritage.

Note: Distinctive features of dravidian style of temple architecture are-
-The Chola temple's main attribute is the vimana. A building of five to seven floors in a traditional design known as "Vimana" which is constructed over the pillared hall with a flat roof was placed in front of the sanctum known as "mandap”. In the Chola Empire, This mandap functioned as an audience hall and a venue for multiple ceremonies
-Often around the sanctum, a passage was also built to allow devotees to walk around it, where many images of other Gods were positioned. High walls and wide gateways are known as "Gopurams" enclosed in this passage. Sikhara and Kalasa formed the dome on top of the Gopurams.
-Usage of miniature depictions of gods and goddesses in carved shape. Temples are primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.
-Most of the Chola temples were carved on the inner side of the temple walls. Sanctums were circular and square. Deities were placed at Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).