The chief feature of the temples constructed by the Cholas was?
VerifiedAnswer: Vimanas or towers
Explanation:
The Chola dynasty, which ruled South India from the 9th to 13th centuries, left behind a magnificent architectural legacy that continues to amaze visitors today. The most distinctive and defining feature of Chola temples was their vimanas or towering structures that dominated the temple complex and could be seen from miles away.
Vimanas are pyramid-shaped towers built over the main sanctum (garbhagriha) of the temple. Unlike the gopurams (entrance towers) that became prominent in later South Indian temple architecture, Chola vimanas were the central focal points of the entire temple structure. These towers were not just decorative elements but served important religious and architectural purposes.
The most famous example of Chola vimana architecture is the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur, built by Raja Raja Chola I around 1010 CE. This temple's vimana rises to a height of about 216 feet, making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. The entire structure was carved from a single piece of granite, showcasing the incredible engineering skills of Chola architects and craftsmen.
The design of Chola vimanas typically followed a specific pattern. They had multiple tiers or stories, each smaller than the one below, creating a stepped pyramid effect. The walls were adorned with intricate sculptures depicting various Hindu deities, mythological scenes, and celestial beings. The topmost part of the vimana was crowned with a stone called 'kalasha' or 'stupi', which was considered sacred.
What made Chola vimanas truly special was their perfect proportions and mathematical precision. The architects followed strict guidelines from ancient texts like Vastu Shastra and Agama traditions. Every measurement, from the base to the top, was calculated to create a harmonious and spiritually uplifting structure that represented the cosmic mountain Meru in Hindu mythology.
The construction technique used for these vimanas was remarkable. The Cholas used a method called 'dry masonry' where large stone blocks were fitted together without using any mortar. This technique made the structures incredibly durable, which is why many Chola temples still stand strong after more than a thousand years, having survived earthquakes, storms, and the test of time.
