Vijayanagara Temples at Tadapatri

The Ramalingesvara and the Venkataramana temples at Tadapatri, Ananthapur District of Andhra Pradesh are the best examples of Vijayanagara art and architecture. The present book aims to study art history of the temples. The study is based on the field survey. The present volume provides historical background, epigraphical evidences and the Tadapatri Khaigiyat to reconstruct the history of Tadapatri. The growth of the village in the pre-Vijayanagara period is traced. The involvement of Pemmasani family, an important Nayaka family of the Vijayanagara period is studied, for they were associated with the construction of the Ramalingesvara and the Venkataramana temples. The history of Tadapatri since the Qutubshahi occupation to the East India Company rule is outlined. The develoment of Srivaisnavism and Saivism during the Vijayanagara period is discussed. The architectural elements as noted in the temples at Tadapatri in the evolution of temple architecture of the Vijayanagara period in Western Andhra in particular, and South India in general are studied. The Iconography and narrative themes found in the temples at Tadapatri are documented. An assessment of the features and art is attempted. The description of the temples are first available account and are lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings.