Architecture style of Kamakhya Temple
Q. Which of the following style of architecture is associated with the Kamakhya Temple?- Published on 21 Sep 16a. Hemadpanti
b. Dravid
c. Nagara
d. Nilachal
ANSWER: Nilachal
- The Nilachal type is a type of temple architecture in Assam that is characterized by a bulbous polygonal dome over a cruciform ratha type bada.
- This hybrid style developed first in the Kamakhya temple on the Nilachal hills under the Koch kingdom and became popular as a style later under the Ahom kingdom.
- Made by craftsmen and architects more familiar with Islamic architecture of Bengal, the dome of Kamakhya temple became bulbous and hemispherical which was ringed by minaret inspired angashikharas.
- The current structural temple, built and renovated many times in the period 8th-17th century, gave rise to a hybrid indigenous style that is sometimes called the Nilachal type: a temple with a hemispherical dome on a cruciform base.
- The temple consists of four chambers: garbhagriha and three mandapas locally called calanta, pancharatna and natamandira aligned from east to west.
