PIERCED WINDOWS
"Jalandharas" : slabs with slits or perforation to allow light into the cella of a temple.
Jalandharas were a part of the early-Chalukya temples . The ones in Aihole ans Pattadakal are simple and functional . The feature was elaborated upon by the Nolambas, later-Chalukyas , Kadambas, Hoysalas, and eastern-Chalukyas.
In Nolamba architecture , jalandharas were carved with great care . "In the hands of the Nolamba craftsmen these decorative motifs were raised to the status of major works of art.” ( Quote : Douglas Barrett " Hemavathi ")
The pierced windows of nolambas were richly carved with scrolls , figures of' musicians and dancers. When the Chola ruler Rajaraja sacked Nolambavadi , he was so impressed by these architectural units that he carried some away and incorporated them into the temples of Brihadeshwara at Tanjore and at a shivalaya in Kanchi -. ( Ref : sivaramakrishnan)
The wonderful windows we have seen :
In Begur Panchalingeshwara complex , parts of the structures were built / added to , at different times , by the Gangas , the Cholas and most evidently , theNolambas too . A look at the different piercedwindows showing different styles : below
While most are simple , the last one is markedly different and much more elaborate than the others . And bears the closest resemblance to a window from Avani of the Nolambas .
Below , Avani :
The craft of Jalandhara making seems to have reached its zenith of sophistication in Bhoganandishwara : below : most exquisite:
Referencing picture of the nolamba window relocated to Brihadeeshwara .
And one from Hemavathi , rescued from ruin , in Madras Museum .
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