Kadamba architecture was a style of temple architecture founded by Mayurasharma in the 4th century AD in Karnataka, India.[1]Kadambas created new style of architecture which was the basis of the Hoysalas style of architecture,
developed original school of sculpture, was the forerunner of series of South Indian sculptors.[2] Many temples at Aihole, Badami and Hampi are built in Kadamba style.
During 345 AD to 525 AD, the ancient royal dynasty of Karnataka, the Kadambas made early contribution to the architecture of Karnataka and they are the originators.[3]
The most prominent feature of Kadamba architecture was Shikara called Kadamba Shikara.
The tower rises in steps without any decoration (pyramid shaped shikara) with pinnacle (Stupika or Kalasha) on top.
The Kadamba temples vimana usually square in plan, the tower is pyramidal shape and constitutes
a series of horizontal step stages decorated with uniform series of quadrangular vertical projections
and covering vestibules attached to vimana, The stages are more numerous and less elevated, devoid of pavilion ornamentation.
Kadamba's architecture and sculpture contributed to the foundation of Chalukya-Hoysala style.
Two Shiva temples on Hemakuta hill at HampiMallikarjuna group of temples at BadamiA shrine with Kadamba style superstructure at MahakutaRuined temple at Aihole near Durga temple, in Kadamba style
The 5th century monuments at Halasi are the oldest surviving Kadamba structure.
The most prominent feature is the Kadamba Shikara with a Kalasa on top.
In Belgaum district, Hattikeshwara, Kalleshwara and Someshwara temples at Halasi and group of temples at Kadaroli illustrates the Kadamba architecture. The old Jain basadi containing a sanctum and a sukanasi at Halasi the most ancient stone temple in Karnataka. Kadamba architecture constituted an important link between the Shatavahanas, Pallavas and Chalukyas architecture. Kadamba architecture elements in Hoysala Architecture.[4]
Many temples at Aihole including Ramlingesvara temple Complex, Badigergudi temple and small shrines at Durga temple complex, Tryambakeshwara temple complex, ruined temple at Mallikarjuna temple complex, shrines at Jyotirlinga temple complex, small temple at Hucchimalli temple complex, ruined temples Galaganatha temple complex and many temples along the Malaprabha River are built in Kadamba architectural (Shikhara) style.
There are many shrines with Kadamba superstructure at Mahakuta including Bhimeshwara ling temple, newly renovated temple outside main temple complex.
Bandalike
There are many temples and Basadis at Bandalike (Bandalika), it is about 35 km from Shikaripura including Shantinath basadi, Sahasralinga temple and Someshwara threemurthy temples those are of Rastrakutas and Kadambas period, temples built in Kadamba style of architecture.
The 12th and 14th century AD Shankara Narayana temple [2] at Haliyur and Venkataramana Swamy temple [3] at Muttinkere near Sonda in Sirsi taluk of Uttarkannada district.
