Secular Female Imagery in Orissan Temple Architecture: the Case of Alasa Kanyas

Surabhi Sharman

Independent Researcher. Email: sharmansurabhi@yahoo.com

  Volume 4, Number 2, 2020 I Full Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/cjad.42.v4n206

Abstract

The temple architecture from the Indian subcontinent follows a certain protocol, and the sculptural programme of the temples is in conjunction with the prescribed norms. The paper looks at the regional temple architecture of Orissa, specifically at the profusion of secular female imagery, in the form of alasa kanyas or ‘indolent maidens’ that adorn the Orissan temples. The imagery of these maidens has been discussed in the Orissan text on temple architecture, Shilpa Prakasha of Ramachandra Mahapatra Kaula Bhattaraka from c. 11^th century CE, and is the primary source of contemporary information on the subject.

Keywords: Orissan Temple Architecture, Temple Sculptures, Female Sculptures, Alasa Kanya, Orissa