Khajuraho Temples

Definition

The Khajuraho Temples are a group of Hindu and Jain temples located in Madhya Pradesh, India, built during the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE. Renowned for their intricate sculptures and erotic carvings, these temples reflect a blend of spiritual devotion and artistic expression, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India during the medieval period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Khajuraho group consists of around 85 temples, out of which about 25 are well-preserved and famous for their detailed erotic sculptures.
2. These temples were built using sandstone and feature a variety of architectural styles, including Nagara style, which is characterized by curvilinear shikharas.
3. The temples are divided into three main groups based on their location: Western, Eastern, and Southern, with the Western group housing the most famous structures.
4. The erotic sculptures found in the Khajuraho Temples serve multiple purposes, including expressing human emotions, depicting daily life, and embodying spiritual themes related to love and desire.
5. In 1986, the Khajuraho Temples were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting their significance in art history and global heritage.

Review Questions

• How do the architectural features of the Khajuraho Temples reflect the cultural values and beliefs of the Chandela dynasty?
  • The architectural features of the Khajuraho Temples, such as their intricate carvings and towering shikharas, reflect the Chandela dynasty's deep commitment to art and spirituality. The elaborate designs not only served aesthetic purposes but also embodied religious devotion and social values prevalent during that time. The blending of sensuality with spirituality in their sculptures showcases a cultural belief in the interconnectedness of life, love, and divine experiences.
• What is the significance of eroticism in the sculptures of the Khajuraho Temples in relation to Indian art and societal norms?
  • The presence of eroticism in the sculptures of the Khajuraho Temples is significant as it challenges modern perceptions of Indian art as solely spiritual or austere. These representations highlight a more complex view of sexuality within historical Indian society, suggesting that erotic love was considered an essential part of human existence. The sculptures serve to normalize intimacy and celebrate love as a divine experience rather than taboo, reflecting broader societal norms during the time they were created.
• Evaluate how the Khajuraho Temples contribute to our understanding of post-Gupta art and its regional variations in medieval India.
  • The Khajuraho Temples exemplify post-Gupta art by showcasing advancements in sculptural techniques and regional styles during medieval India. Their detailed narrative reliefs and exquisite iconography illustrate how local artistic expressions evolved after Gupta influence waned. By examining these temples within their historical context, we gain insights into regional variations in style, themes, and religious practices that emerged as local dynasties like the Chandela sought to assert their identities while engaging with broader cultural currents across India.

Related terms

Chandela Dynasty:

A prominent dynasty in medieval India known for its patronage of art and architecture, responsible for the construction of the Khajuraho Temples.

Shikhara: The rising tower above the sanctum of a Hindu temple, typically seen in the architecture of the Khajuraho Temples, symbolizing the connection between the earth and the divine.

Mithuna: Sculptural representations of male and female couples found in Indian art, prominently featured in the erotic carvings of the Khajuraho Temples.