Vesara style of architecture contains building in the Deccan region which are of hybridized style i.e. it contains both the elements of Nagara and Dravida architectural style. The vesara style came into existence after the mid 7th century.
It was Patronised by Chalukya dynasty.
Ravan Phadi cave, Aihole, Karnataka:
- The Ravan Phadi cave at Aihole is an example of the early Chalukya style which is known for its distinct sculptural style.
- One of the most important sculptures at the site is of Nataraja, surrounded by a large depiction of saptamatrikas: three to Shiva’s left and four to his right.
Lad Khan Temple at Aihole, Karnataka:
- The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest Hindu temples.
- Built in the 5th century by the Kings of the Chalukya Dynasty.
- It seems to be inspired by the wooden – roofed temples of the hills except that it is constructed out of stone.
- The temple is named after a person named Lad Khan, who turned this temple into his residence for a short period.
Durga Temple at Aihole, Karnataka:
- The temple is built in between 7th and 8th century.
- The architecture of the temple is predominantly Dravida with Nagara style also in certain areas.
- The temple is considered as a unique and magnificent temple of the Chalukya period.
- The Lad Khan Temple of Aihole is located to its South.
Temples at Pattadakkal, Karnataka:
- There are ten temples at Pattadakkal including a Jain temple and is a UNESCO world Heritage Site.
- A fusion of various architectural styles can be seen here.
- Out of ten temples, four are in Dravida style, four are in nagara style and one is a Jain temple, while the Papanatha Temple is built in a fusion of both nagara and Dravida styles.
- The Jain temple (Jain Narayana temple) was built by Rashtrakutas in the 9th
- The Virupaksha temple at Pattadakkal is also known as Sri-Lokeswar-Maha-Sila-Prasad, was built by Loka Mahadevi, the Queen of the Chalukya king Vikramaditya II (733-44).
- It was probably built around 740 CE to commemorate her husband’s victory over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram.
- It closely resembles the Kailasnath temple at Kanchipuram on plan and elevation.
- It represents a fully developed and perfect stage of the Dravida architecture.
Rashtrakutas
- By about 750 CE, the early western Chalukya control of the Deccan was taken by the Rashtrakutas.
- Their greatest achievement in architecture is the Kailasnath Temple at Ellora.
- The Jain temple at Pattadakkal was also built by Rashtrakutas.
Hoyasalas
- With the waning Chola and Pandya power, the Hoyasalas of Karnataka grew into prominence in south India and became the most important patrons centred at Mysore.
- The three main temples of Hoyasala are the temples at Belur, Halebid and Somanathpuram.
- The most characteristic feature of these temples is that they grow extremely complex with so many projecting angles emerging from the previously straightforward square temple so that the plan of these temples starts looking like a star.
- As the plan looks like a star, it is known as stellate plan.
- They are usually made out of soapstone.