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| Architecture |
Khajuraho group of temples in Central
India is one of the most illustrious manifestations
of Indian architecture. These 10th-11th century temples
represent religiosity, patronage, artistic genius and
aesthetic sensibility all at once. Built in the typical
'Nagara' style of architecture, over 20 of the original
85 temples have survived the climate for more than a
thousand years despite being lost into obscurity and
hence, suffering neglect for a long period of time.
Believed to have been constructed during the Chandela
rule, the temples belong to Shaivism and Vaishnavism
sects of Hinduism, Jainism and 'tantrism'. Unlike other
temple complexes in the country, there is no enclosure
wall surrounding these temples and each of them on a
high and solid raised masonry platform. Though not very
large, they have elegant proportions and are adorned
with sculptures on their exteriors and even interiors.
These walled sculptures include depiction of numerous
deities, their attendants, celestial maidens in sensuous
positions and provocative postures, embracing couples
(some of them in erotic sexual positions), dancers and
musicians and couples engaged in various refinements
of courtly love. It is believed that one temple alone
sports over six hundred and fifty such figures ranging
from sensual and warm depictions to explicit sexual
activity (believed to illustrate the tantric rites by
some). Some of these much-famed or much-notorious sexual
postures are said to follow the Kama Sutra, the ancient
Indian manual of art of making love. One of the most
preferred destinations after Taj Mahal, Khajuraho has
provided a scenic backdrop for many movies as well as
many Indian classical dances that have been performed
here.
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