The curation project is a post-graduation research dissertation developed for an academic workshop. Masters first and final years students worked in teams to create contemporary artworks using text and images. The project aimed to develop teamwork skills and promote intercommunication. Emphasizing the relationship between visual culture and methodologies, tools like mind maps and visual analysis were used. The weeklong workshop helped me move beyond pre-existing narratives and address the issue.
Exhibition assisted by: Nived Narayanan, and Aravind Vadluri.
Curatorial note by: Aravindh Vadluri
Megha Patel is pursuing her Master’s Degree in the history of visual arts, at MSU, Baroda. Being a sculptor from Gujarat, her area of interest is in cultural and religious syncretism in the temple architecture of her native region.
Solanki Chalukyans are popularly known for their unique architecture, after the decline of Guptas in the region they are considered to be the key contributors to the development of the temple architecture of Gujarat. Megha’s thesis focuses on the amalgamation of Jain and Hindu cults in the architecture of Delmal temples, located in Chanasmataluka, Patan district of the region. These temples were built under the reign of Solanki rulers (Chalayan’s) between the 10th and mid-13th centuries. The ground plan of the site is rectangular accompanying total eight shrines dedicated to Shakti, Vishnu, Brahma, Surya and a Jain Tirthankara Parasnath. All these shrines were constructed in Maru Gurjari style of architecture of Solanki, prominently found in Khatiwada, North Gujrat, and southern parts of Rajasthan. As inscriptions indicate, these were built under different Solanki rulers especially Bhimadeva I (1022-66), Siddharaja (1094-1144), Kumarpala (1144-74), Bhimadeva-II (1178-1242). She witnessed a shift in religious interests occurred during this period, which was reflected in these temples.
Indian temples are more than an ordinary worshipping space. They are one of the primary sources for understanding the development of belief systems, visual culture, and sociological changes in the country. In her methodological approach, Megha wants to understand this shift in this visual culture, through socio-politics, trade relations, change in rulers, and other historical references to Delmal.
I would like to brief about the dissertation idea as it developed in the curation topic, this dissertation explores the architectural analysis of the Delmāl group of temples in Gujarat, focusing on the 8th to 13th-century representation of kingship in the region. The study explores the relationship between literary texts and political power under the Solanki dynasty. The chronological history of the dynasties focuses on the Solanki dynasty's significance and prosperity. The discusses the literary evidence surrounding the Delmāl temple complex, focusing on the Mallapurāṇa and Modha Brahmins. The architectural remains of Delmāl, focus on the evolution of Ancient to medieval Gujarat architecture, specifically the Nagara style from the 3rd to almost 8th century. The study also discusses the Māru-Gurjara style and its evolution, glorifying the Solanki style from the 8th century onwards.
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