Classical and Medieval India
Pallavas, Chalukyas, Cholas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara raised India's great temples, while Alvars, Nayanmars and Bhakti poets carried devotion to every home.
The temple builders
[Archaeological evidence]
- Pallavas — Mahabalipuram rock temples and Shore Temple (7th–8th c.)
- Chalukyas — Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal (6th–8th c.)
- Rashtrakutas — the Kailasa temple at Ellora (8th c.)
- Cholas — Brihadeeswarar at Thanjavur, completed 1010 CE
- Hoysalas — Belur (1117) and Halebidu
- Kakatiyas — Ramappa temple (1213)
- Vijayanagara — Hampi (1336–1565)
The Bhakti movement
From the 6th–9th centuries the Tamil Alvars (Vishnu) and Nayanmars (Shiva) sang devotion in the language of the people. The movement spread north over the following centuries through saints such as Basava, Jnaneshwar, Kabir, Mirabai, Surdas, Tulsidas, Chaitanya and Purandara Dasa.
The journey continues for members
- The acharyas