Aihole

History glossary

Also called: Ayyavole, Aryapura · Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 3 "Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries"; Class 12, Ch 4 "Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings"

Meaning

Aihole is a village in Bagalkot district, Karnataka. In older records it is called Ayyavole or Aryapura. Under the Chalukyas of Badami (c. 6th–8th century CE) it became an early centre of stone temple building. It has dozens of temples in different styles, so it is often called a "cradle of Indian temple architecture". Aihole was also the home of a famous merchants' guild.

Example

  • A c. 6th-century CE sculpture at Aihole shows Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu, rescuing the earth goddess.
  • The Aihole inscription (634 CE) was written by the poet Ravikirti. It praises the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II.

Don't confuse with

  • Pattadakal, also in Karnataka, has later Chalukya temples (c. 8th century). They are larger and more mature, mixing northern and southern styles. Aihole has the earlier, experimental temples.

Related concepts

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