Ganga Chalukyas – Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7 – 12 BCE)

The *Ganga Chalukyas, also known as the **Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi, were a significant dynasty that ruled parts of **Andhra Pradesh and Telangana* from the *7th to the 12th century CE. While they are often associated with political and literary achievements, their contributions to **material sculpture, especially in **temple architecture and stone carvings*, are equally profound.

 Overview: Ganga Chalukya Sculpture

Dynasty Background:
– The Ganga Chalukyas (Eastern Chalukyas) were a branch of the *Badami Chalukyas* (Western Chalukyas).
– They ruled from their capital *Vengi* (modern-day Andhra Pradesh).
– Their reign saw a blend of *North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravida architectural styles*.
– They were patrons of *Telugu language, **Shaivism, **Vaishnavism, and **Sanskrit*.

 Temple Architecture and Sculpture

1. *Vesara Style of Architecture*
– The Ganga Chalukyas contributed to the development of the *Vesara* style — a synthesis of *Nagara (North Indian)* and *Dravida (South Indian)* styles.
– This style became a precursor to the later *Vijayanagara architecture*.

2. *Major Temples with Sculptural Excellence*
a. *Bhimeswara Temple, Draksharama*
– Known for its *ornate carvings, **musical pillars, and **mythological reliefs*.
– Features *Shiva-Parvati, **Nataraja, and **Dakshinamurti* sculptures.

b. *Someswara Temple, Panagal*
– Built during the reign of *Amoghavarsha I*.
– The temple has *intricate carvings on pillars, **doorways, and **ceilings*.

c. *Bhoganandiswara Temple, Nandigama*
– Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
– The *Nandi bull* and *doorjamb sculptures* are notable.

Characteristics of Ganga Chalukya Sculpture

| Feature | Description |
|——–|————-|
| *Material* | Mostly *sandstone* and *soapstone* used. |
| *Deity Sculptures* | Emphasis on *Hindu deities* like Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Surya, and Durga. |
| *Mythological Themes* | Scenes from *Ramayana, **Mahabharata, and **Puranas*. |
| *Ornamentation* | Use of *floral motifs, **geometric patterns, and **celestial beings (apsaras)*. |
| *Pillar Carvings* | Pillars often depict *musical instruments, **dancers, and **animals*. |
| *Toranas (arches)* | Though rare, decorative arches with *floral and geometric designs* are found. |

 Artistic Innovations

– *Musical Pillars*: Some temples have pillars that produce musical notes when struck — a unique feature of Ganga Chalukya craftsmanship.
– *Narrative Relief Panels: Depictions of stories like **Tripurantaka, **Kalyanasundara, and **Vishnu Ananthashayana*.
– *Dvarapalas (Guardian Figures)*: Towering doorkeepers with ornate jewelry and fierce expressions.
– *Sikhara (Tower) Design: Curvilinear towers with **chaitya arch motifs* and *figurines*.

Influence on Later Art

– The *Vijayanagara Empire* (14th–16th centuries) drew heavily from the sculptural and architectural traditions of the Ganga Chalukyas.
– The *Chalukya-Vesara style* influenced the *Kakatiya dynasty* and later *Telugu temple architecture*.

Epigraphical Evidence

– Inscriptions in *Sanskrit and Telugu* provide information about:
– Donations to temples.
– Patronage of artists and sculptors.
– Descriptions of temple construction and rituals.

Notable Sculptures

| Sculpture | Description |
|———-|————-|
| *Nataraja* | Depicted in dancing posture, symbolizing cosmic dance. |
| *Shiva as Dakshinamurti* | Seated in meditation, teaching the four sages. |
| *Vishnu Reclining (Ananthashayana)* | Vishnu on the serpent Ananta, symbolizing cosmic rest. |
| *Trimurti* | Depiction of *Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva* in one panel. |
| *Saptamatrikas* | Group of seven mother goddesses, often shown with Ganesha and Virabhadra. |

Summary

The *Ganga Chalukyas* played a pivotal role in shaping the *sculptural and architectural traditions* of *South India, especially in **Andhra Pradesh. Their temples and sculptures reflect a **blend of styles, **rich iconography, and **technical mastery* that influenced generations of artisans and architects.

Source –  History of World (Facebook)