Circling the Tank: A Medley of Idioms
John Weaver
Having descended from the caves of the Southern cliffs, visitors find themselves at the Southwest corner of the grand tank which fills the belly of the valley. Skirting the perimeter of this kolla with brief ventures into the edge of the town leads travellers through the full temporal and stylistic breadth of Badami.
The Yellamma Temple (Image 1) stands guard over the West edge of the tank and showcases elements of both Northern and Southern architectural idioms. Built in 1139 by the Late Chalukyas, this apparent combination of elements is known as the Karnata Dravida style, largely unique to the Deccan.
On the East edge lies the Bhutanatha temple (Image 2). Although built in the 8th century with a Dravida superstructure, the sloped porch is a Late Chalukyan addition from a few centuries later. Nearby one may find various Hindu deities carved directly into a freestanding rock (Image 3).
Temples scattered about the North edge showcase the unique Malaprabha style, characterized by eave-like pyramidal tops (Image 4).
The Virupaksha and Jambulinga temples, tucked into the edge of the city West of Yellamma, highlight some of the sculptural skill of the Later Chalukya (Images 5 & 6).
Nearby stands an elaborate 17th century domed tomb built by the Adil Shahi sultanate in an islamicate style (Image 7).