Optical illusion in Vijayanagara Era Sculptures

Optical illusion is an art of multiphase and multi-face; which has the freedom to interpret the concept in many ways. Combination lies in such arts changes into different ways, creating a magical impression. Nowadays, several mind blowing optical illusion oriented works appears in drawings by using digital media. But the ancient artistry also provides the vivid examples for human creativity and rich craftsmanship in the respect. Sculptors of ancient Bhārata created many optical illusion oriented artistry by using stone as medium. To show the dynamic movement or animation process, such sculptures has been carved in many temples of different era, which becomes food for many thoughts. Among those, below are the few clever art works of Vijayanagara Karnāṭa empire era, has been discussed.

Architectural uniqueness of VIjayanagara Empire

The Vijayanagara Karnāṭa empire has built many temples with astonishing architecture in its time. Granite and Soapstone was the main material used in construction of temples.  It is said that the Empire borrowed few of the architecture elements from previous empires and created their own unique style in architecture.

The distinct features of architecture include the Rāya gopura (entry way with heavily ornamented with carvings), Open Pavilions with platforms, Garbhagr̥ha, Carved pillars, Decorated windows, Ornated Manṭapas, Hanging pillars (which is very unique architecture of this period), mythical beings (half animal half human) and Yālis (concept like riding the mythical creatures),, attractive door panels etc. Sculptures consist all the phases and faces of life such as birds and animals, lifestyles of people, Nature, dancers and musicians, saints and yogis, stories from puranās and charachters along with idea of divinity, concept of Beauty and different Rasa-s and Bhakti- which indeed gives different dimensions of a Santanic/Hindu Dharmic place has. The Hanging pillar in Lepākshi Temple which is fascinating and miraculous work done by the ancient sculptors, which still remains an unsolved puzzle and creating curiosity amongst present day engineers and architects. Same way, the sculptures which creates optical illusion also, attracts viewers and proves that a sculpture could make viewer to think in various perspectives.

Fig 1- Swan Sculpture with optical illusion

Fig 1- Sculpture found in the Halasuru Someśwara temple, Bengaluru. It can be interpreted as a three-headed swan with one body . Where any of these head can fit right with the body.                                            

Fig 2- Lion body optical illusion sculpture

Fig 2- Sculpture found in the Lepākshi temple’s unfinished Manṭapa. This can be interpreted as three-headed lion with pair of legs and hands. Lions which are facing towards the sides has one leg where one can assume that the other leg is in the other side.

Fig 3- A Bird - Optical illusion Sculpture

Fig 3- Sculpture found in Lepākshi temple’s Naṭyamanṭapa; projected as a two- headed bird. Right side bird looks like swan and left side bird looks like a peacock.

Fig 4- Cow Optical illusion sculpture

Fig 4- Sculpture from the Lepākshi Vīrabhadra temple entrance wall. Three-headed cow sculpture, quite common in many of the temples of ancient period. Here one cow is seen nursing its calf, one is seen eating the grass and the other one is looking straight.

Fig 5- Man in Optical illusion

Fig 5A- Comedians/ Dancers in Optical ilusion sculpture at Lepakshi temple

Fig 5- Sculpture found in the Lepākshi; Mystery of three men with four legs is evident in this sculpture. Left side man is holding Tambūra/ a string instrument; the man to the right looks like bending sideways for dancing and the man in the middle is holding his hands above for dancing.                       

Fig 6- Cow in Optical illusion sculpture

Fig 6 - Sculpture found in the Kolara Someśwara temple’s entrance right side pillar. It can be interpreted as three- headed cow; where one cow is biting its tail in mouth, another one is eating grass/ bending down and the other one is standing idol/ looking down.

Fig 7- Monkey acrobatics in optical illusion sculpture

Fig 7 - Sculpture seen in pillars of Bengaluru Someśwara and Kolara Someśhwara temples; where there are two monkeys with four bodies.

Many such marvels, wittiness, beauty and dedication is a hallmark of Bhāratiya Temples; which need to be revisited and remembered always.

Authored by Vaishali A.V, Bengaluru ; Published by Noopura Bhramari IKS Centre- titled as Optical illusion - in Vijayanagara  Sculptures, as a part of Nr̥tyaśilpa Yātra - A temple study Internship programme 2022.    Article is Modified and Edited by Dr Manorama B N for wiki page.