Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Badami Cave Temples
Badami was the erstwhile capital of the Chalukya Empire of south India. The
town is situated in North Karnataka and is well known for its magnificent carved
cave temples, artificial lake, museums and rock-cut into a crag. Famous four
cave temples- the main attractions of the town are carved out of sandstone on
the cliff of a hill. There are also number of temples dotted on the bank of
reservoir dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva. and Mahavir Swami. The Chalukyas
are to be credited for creating a new architectural style that can easily be
visible in these temple architecture and sculptures of god and goddess.
There is an Archaeological Museum constructed by the archaeological survey of
India, that showcases sculptures, including the Lajja-Gauri images of fertility
cult, which flourished in the era.
Badami Cave
History
The rich past of Badami is closely linked with the ancient Kingdom of
Chalukyas which date back to 600 and 700 AD. Chalukayas built number of temples,
and other monuments that marked the beginning of the Hindu style of
architecture. This new style was the blend of two distinct architecture - the
Indo-Aryan Nagara style and the Dravidian style. Known as the Chalukyan style,
this style is apparent in many cave temples, dedicated to Brahmanical deities,
as well as the many Buddhist and Jain monasteries in the region.
Towards the medieval period, Badami was ruled by Adil Shahi ruler of Bijapur
and Marathas. Badami was finally taken over by the British, who made it a part
of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency.
Architecture
The Chalukyan style of architecture is quite evident in the cave temples of
Badami. These famous temples are carved out of sandstone housing a shrine, a
hall, an open verandah and pillars. The exquisite carvings and sculptures make
these cave temples noteworthy. Badami town also girds a number of carved
monuments and other temples located on the bank of the reservoir.
The freestanding stone temples in Badami, is a specimen to the evolution of
the Chalukyan style of architecture. The Ladkhan temple at Aihole is another
example of the Chalukayan architecture. The next phase of development is visible
in the Gowdaragudi temple, which is a more complex structure.
Among the many magnum opuses to be found in these caves, the magnificent
18-armed Nataraja the manifestation of Lord Shiva erected in 81 imposing poses
is a marvel created out of carved stone. Architecture of the Cave 4 - a Jain
Temple in Badami is just awe-inspiring. The 24th Tirthankara- Mahavira, is
seated in a uniquely comfortable pose here, against a cushion in the inner
sanctum. The shrine of Nagamma, the local serpent goddess, within a massive
tamarind tree is another example of the architecture.
The Magnificet Cave Temples
Cave 1:
The famous cave dates back to 578 A.D, carved out of red sandstone and was
most likely the first to be carved. The cave has 40 odd steps that take one to
the covered verandah, a hall with many pillars. Shiva as Natraja with 18 arms is
seen in 81 dancing poses. Column beams are exquisitely crafted. On the ceiling
one can see the paintings of passionate couples.
Cave 2:
The second cave is perched on a sandstone hill. Lord Vishnu is the holy deity
of this cave manifested as a dwarf or Trivikrama. Lord is in the position of
conquering the Earth by his one foot and rules the sky with his other foot. The
temple also showcases Lord Vishnu as a 'Varaha' or as a boar, riding the Garnda
all surrounded by beautiful lotus flowers.
Cave 3:
The third cave is about 70 feet wide a masterwork of 6th century. The
delicate creativity and image astuteness are the prominence of the cave
showcasing the ancient art. The art depicting ancient dresses, jewelry,
hairstyle and the lifestyle of the glorious past will leave one mesmerize. The
high alleviation of Vishnu manifested in many forms - Vishnu with a serpent,
Vishnu as Man-Lion, Shiva Vishnu and Vishnu as Trivikrama are the other
attractions of the cave.
Cave 4:
Cave fourth is dedicated to Jain Thirthankaras. They are the Jain caves lying
towards the east of cave-3. The main attraction of the cave is the sculpture of
Lord Mahavira decking the shrine besides the images of Padmavathi and other
Thirthankaras. The cave also leads towards the southern part of Badami Fort,
after climbing few steps a cranny is formed between Cave II & III, that leads to
the fort where an old gun placed by Tippu Sultan is an attraction in itself.
