The Temples and Sculptures of the Early Chalukyas

The sandstone temples of the Early Chalukyas, rulers of peninsular India during the 6–8th centuries CE, are unrivaled for their early date, comparatively complete condition, variety of rock-cut and structural techniques, range of architectural styles, and magnificent sculptures. Of outstanding significance for the later development of Hindu architecture and art in India and Southeast Asia, the Early Chalukya temples are located in the out of the way towns of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal in present-day Karnataka, and are known only to the more adventurous travelers. Though no examples of Early Chalukya art are to be found in American or European and American collections, the monuments in and around Badami are embellished with innumerable, well-preserved relief carvings of the utmost refinement.
A book signing follows the talk.
About the Speaker
Trained as an architect in Melbourne, George Michell went on to study Indian Art and Archaeology at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, with a dissertation on the Early Chalukya temples. Since then he has undertaken numerous documentation and research projects in India, most recently at Hampi Vijayanagara, in collaboration with the American archaeologist John M. Fritz. His most recent publication is an illustrated monograph on the Early Chalukya temples (Niyogi Books, New Delhi, 2014).