The temple architecture of Kerala is unique - seemingly simple, it is structurally complex. It differs from the Dravida style of Southern and the Nagara style of the Northern India. Influenced by geological, geographical, environmental and ethnic characteristics, the construction of the temple is dominated by timber which is used, unlike stone in other parts of India, to create its art and architecture. Proportion and geometry of differently structured components like shrikovil, namaskaramandapam etc. of the temple complex, bring about a surprising harmony to the architecture. observance of keeping the old order intact and alive have kept Kerala temples in pristine condition.
In her talk, 'Temple Architecture of Kerala: An Overview', Dr Preeta Nayar explores these unique features whose continuity has been maintained for over a 1000 years in pristine conditions.
About the Speaker
Dr Preeta Nayar heads the Department of Archaeology, University of Kerala. After graduating in Archaeology from M S University of Baroda, India, she received her Ph.D from the same University, specializing in Vaishnava Iconography. She has completed a comprehensive study on Ramayana in Sculptural Art of Kerala.
She was the Antiquity Registrar and Co-Director for Pattanam archaeological excavations for six seasons. She has been studying the stone and glass beads excavated from Pattanam and Vizhinjam archaeological sites in Kerala, Mandiripattinam in Tamil Nadu and has made a comparative study of Pattanam and Sumhuram (Khor Rori in Oman) beads for Pisa University, Italy. She publishes regularly on Indian iconography and edits the Proceedings of Indian Art History Congress. She is one of the editors of the Archaeology Journal The Heritage.
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