Xplore Khajuraho

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About the Book Welcome to Khajuraho - the religious capital of the mighty Chandelas-where more than a millennium ago glorious benchmarks of temple architecture were achieved, Rightly considered as the very epitome of the agara Style, these magnificent edifices stand testimony to the artistic abilities of the Indian sculptor. This guide book is aimed at enhancing your Khajuraho experience by making you understand the historical, cultural and iconographical background.

About the Authors A graphic designer by profession, Ankita did her graduation from National Institute of Design, Ahmadabad and Masters in Visual Communication from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. She is also an avid nature lover and a budding ornithologist.

An -electrical engineer by accident, Malay is smitten by his love for India and has been travelling across the length and breadth of the country to discover and document the many myriad hues of our microcosmic natural and cultural heritage. He is also a photography enthusiast.

Introduction In the remoteness of an idyllic central Indian landscape, replete with lush green fields covering every inch of soil and encircled by low-rise hills, there lays an invaluable repository of Indian sculptural art and architecture. Showcasing the very zenith of medieval central Indian temple-making, Chandela temples of Khajuraho, are simply impossible to ignore. Incongruous, as they might look to the modem eyes, these artistic imprints are reminiscent of a glorious era when Chandela craftsmen took temple architecture to unprecedented heights.

Taking a giant leap from the established norms, they aimed to achieve something grand; something that would do fitting justice to the indefatigable enthusiasm of their energetic patrons; something that would create a lasting impression beyond the vagaries of time. This exemplary zeal displayed by the Chandelas had a deep- rooted social reason: Known to be of humble origin, the mighty Chandelas wanted to compensate with their karma what they lacked in their bloodline.

The Chandelas, driven by a singularity of purpose and religious fervor, went on to create a legacy that has survived to this date. Despite their unassuming beginnings, the Chandelas expanded their kingdom substantially and by the middle of 12'h century their empire covered most of central India, stretching from Sambalpur to Mandsaur in East-West and Kannauj to Yavatmal in north-South orientation. Secured by forts of Kalinjar, Ajaygarh, Barigarh, Maniyagarh, Marpha, Maudha, Carha, Maihar, the empire encompassed many urban settlements.In addition to the secular and military establishments; the Chandelas invested a Significant portion of their time and energies towards creation of sacred spheres.

Khajuraho (Kharjuravahaka), Dudhai (Dudhyakupya), Chand pur and Madanpur are some of the erstwhile Chandela temple towns. Even ifrnost of the secular structures have vanished with time, the Chandela grand temples have survived.

seen never before or afterwards, in the whole of Indian Subcontinent.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages