Question

Write short note.

Maratha Architecture:

Answer 1

• Chh. Shivaji Maharaj built forts, the tradition of which was prevalent in the Deccan for three centuries. 
• The Kasaba temple in Pune and Vitthal temple in Vitthalwadi were reconstructed by Veermata Jijabai.
• During the Peshwa period, the Maratha kingdom regained its prosperity and all forms of art and architecture received patronage. 
• The construction of temples began on a large scale during the later Peshwa. Period. 
• These temples are of three types. Examples of temple architecture of this period are found at Saswad, Mahuli, Jejuri, etc. 
• These are huge in size. The plan of these temples is in star design, the foundation of the temple was multilayered and was named accordingly.
• The shikhara is made in bricks and stucco method. 
• The Kalaram, Goraram, and Sundarnarayan temples at Nasik and Mahadev temple at Trimbakeshwar, Mohiniraj temple at Nevasa is similar to the temples in Malwa and Rajasthan. 
• These temples are constructed in stone. These temples are embellished extensively with sculptures. 
• The third type of temple can be found at Pune, Satara, Wai, etc. 
• It included arches, a wooden hall, and a sanctum sanctorum(gabhara). The Shikhara slopes inwards at the top. 
• The stone ‘Deepamala’ is a remarkable feature of these temples. The stone deepamalas at Jejuri were built by Shahajiraje. 
• The Chhatris (Samadhis) at various places are noteworthy.