The Master Builders of Kalinga: A Hierarchy of Skill and Piety
The construction of a Kalinga temple was a massive undertaking that required the coordinated efforts of a large and highly skilled team of artisans and craftsmen. This team was organized in a strict hierarchy, with each member having a specific role and responsibility.
The Divine Command: A Hierarchy of Roles
The management and execution of a temple project followed a well-defined chain of command, ensuring that the patron’s vision was translated into a magnificent and enduring monument.
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Kartā (The Patron): At the top of the hierarchy was the Kartā, the chief patron of the temple. This was typically the king or ruler of the state. As the financier and visionary, the temple often reflected the socio-cultural and political landscape of their time. The Kartā’s piety and devotion were seen as essential for the success of the project.
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Mukhya Sthapati (The Chief Architect): The Mukhya Sthapati was the master architect, a person of immense knowledge and deep piety. They were required to be proficient in a wide range of sacred texts, including the Shilpa Shastras (the science of sculpture and architecture), the Vastu Shastra (the science of construction), the Dharma Shastra (the science of righteousness), and the Agni Purana. They were also experts in mathematics and engineering. The Mukhya Sthapati was responsible for translating the Kartā’s vision into a detailed architectural plan.
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Sutra Grahaṇi (The Chief Engineer): The Sutra Grahaṇi can be equated to the chief engineer. This individual, often the son of the Mukhya Sthapati, was responsible for translating the architectural plans into precise geometrical dimensions on the construction site. They ensured that the temple was built according to the exact proportions laid out in the sacred texts.
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Bārdhanikas (The Masons): The Bārdhanikas were the masons, the skilled workers who cut and set the stones. They were responsible for the actual construction of the temple, from the foundation to the final spire.
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Takṣaka (The Sculptor): The Takṣaka was the sculptor, the artist whose hands created the “poetry in stone” that adorns the walls of Kalinga temples. They were responsible for all the magnificent carvings and engravings of deities, mythological scenes, and decorative motifs that have left a lasting legacy of awe and wonder.
Beyond this core team, numerous other workers and artisans provided essential support, from quarrying the stone to preparing the plaster. The construction of a Kalinga temple was a true community effort, a collective act of faith and artistry that has given us some of the most beautiful and enduring monuments in the world.