Exploring the Temples of the Deccan: 7th to 13th Centuries

A discussion of Chalukya, Kakatiya and Hoysala temple sites in the Deccan and their rich cultural and religious history

Of all regions of India, the Deccan has the most diverse architectural traditions, nowhere better shown than in the variety of stone temples sponsored under a succession of dynasties which ruled peninsular India over some 700 years. To illustrate this unique diversity, Michell explores religious monuments at lesser-known sites. He begins with Early Chalukya temples overlooking the Tungabhadra river at Alampur, and ends with the imposing Kakatiya monument at the out of the way village of Palampet, both in Telangana. In between, he discusses the Nolamaba period shrines at Nandi and Shravana Belgola, and those of the Later Chalukyas at Sudi, Kuruvatti and Lakkundi, all in Karnataka. He concludes with the little visited Hoysala period shrines at Belavadi, Mosale and Agraha Bachhahalli.

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Programme

December 2024

George Michell studied architecture in Melbourne before attending the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, gaining a PhD there in 1974 with his dissertation on Early Chalukya temples in the Badami area. Since then, he has undertaken surveys of historical sites and monuments in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bengal and Tamil Nadu. During the 1980s and 1990s, together with the American archaeologist John M. Fritz, he undertook a reconnaissance of the imperial city of Vijayanagara and Hampi. Michell has published widely. His most recent book, Temples of Deccan India, Hindu & Jain, 7th to 13th Centuries, on which his lecture is based, was brought out in 2021 by ACC Art Books and the Deccan Heritage Foundation, of which is a Founding Trustee.

Speaker(s)

Dr George Michell

George Michell is a world authority on South Asian architecture, and a founder-trustee of the Deccan Heritage Foundation. He is amongst the most distinguished architectural scho... Read More

Venue

Darbar Hall
Osmania University for Women
Koti Women’s College
Esamiya Bazaar, Koti
Hyderabad, Telangana 500095