Karnataka Architecture (An Old and Rare Book)

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Dr. S. Rajasekhara, the author of this work on Karnataka Architecture, has already established himself as an art historian by his works Holalgundi Paintings (1982), Master-pieces of Vijayanagara Art (1983) and Early Chalukya Art at Aihole (1984). Art History is one of the subjects he teaches in the Karnatak University. This has enabled him both to know in what areas students have no suitable text-books and also to cultivate the expertise to supply this want, This present work is proof of its author being a systematic teacher. It deals with the temples which were built under the various dynasties which ruled in Karnataka in succession Under each one of these dynasties, the author first gives the outline of its history, then enumerates all the important sites where the temples are found and then gives a list of the more important temples This leads him to a consideration of the different parts of the temples like the friezes on the outer walls, doorways, ceilings, sikharas and their evolution. Apart from being systematic in the treatment of the subject, the author is UpToDate in his information. He has kept pace with the recent writings on the subject. On many aspects his writings such as the Arvalem caves in Goa which he had explored, Early Chalukya Art on which subject he got his doctorate and on Vijayanagara art on which he has written a popular sketch. his knowledge is both deep as well as sound.

Dr. Rajasekhara has made his work very useful by his method of illustrating the text within the text itself. These illustrations are very clear and they also illustrate the text much more effectively than if they had been elsewhere. Thus, by producing an UpToDate, illustrated and methodical work on Karnataka Architecture, the author has laid students of the subject under a deep debt of gratitude.

I have great pleasure in recommending this book both to the serious student as well as to the casual tourist.

Karnataka Architecture is a study of the architectural achievements of the different dynastic periods of Karnataka with emphasis on the characteristics of each school. As a teacher, I always felt a need for such a book. The only book available, now out of print, and in Kannada, is the Mysurudesada Vastusilpa by B Venkoba Rao. It is more a descriptive work than an analysis of the different styles. The present work is an outcome of a series of lectures I delivered in Karnatak Arts College. Dharwad in 1983 and is based on my personal detailed study of the monuments.

The main aim I had in mind while preparing this book is two-fold. The first is to acquaint the students, teachers and even lay public with an idea of the architectural remains of the various periods of history in Karnataka; the second, and more important, is to focus attention on the characteristics of each school of architecture so as to enable them to distinguish one school from another. A large number of illustrations are therefore included with this aim in view.

I have great pleasure in dedicating this work as a token of my gratitude to my teacher. Prof. B. R. A. Rao, St. Joseph's College, Bangalore who introduced me to epigraphical studies and temple architecture.

I am greatly indebted to Dr. G S. Dikshit, the former Prof. and Head of the Dept. of History and Archaeology, Karnatak University. Dharwad for his valuable Foreword to this book.

I am indebted to Sri. M. A. Kasturi for his many valuable suggestions, Sri. Shashi V. Sali of Saligraphics, Dharwad for designing the cover page, Sri. Pampanna Basawanal of M/s Basawanal Printers for the neat printing, and M/s Sujata Publications for publishing this volume.