Differentiate between the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture. Explain how the Vesara architectural style creatively amalgamated architectural elements of both, while introducing innovative elements of its own.

The temple architecture in India began during the Gupta Era and lead to various architectural styles like Nagara, Dravida, Vesara based on the regions and local styles.

Difference between Nagara and Dravida styles:

Nagara style | Dravida style

1. Patronaged by Guptas, Kaligas, Gujarah rulers. | 1. Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayanagara patronised this style.

2. Spread in Northern parts of India. | 2. Mostly concentrated in Southern most, Eastern India.

3. The tall structure over garbha-griha is called as shikhara, the crowning element is called Amalak, kalash. | 3. The tall structure is called Vimara, the crowning element is called shikhara.

4. Shikhara is mostly curvilinear in shape. | 4. Vimara is pyramidal stepped structure.

5. There are no elaborate boundary walls or entry gates. | 5. There are elaborate boundary walls and entry gates called gopuram.

6. Mostly panchayatana style of architecture. | 6. Also has panchayatana style but subsidiary shrines elaborate vimara.

7. Water tank features not seen. | 7. Presence of water tank.

8. Grasya, Jamura are present. | 8. Dvarapalas are placed at entry.

[Diagrams showing: Kailash Temple, Amalak and Shikhara with Garbha-griha labeled - Fig: Nagara style]

[Diagram showing: Boundary wall assembly, Gopuram, Shikhara, Vimara layout - Fig: Dravida style]

Vesara style of architecture:

2. Features:

Vesara style of architecture is an amalgamation of nagara, dravida and local elements.