Hemadpanti architecture

Hemadpanti architecture (also spelled Hemadpanthi) is an architectural style that originated in the 13th century in the Deccan region of India, under the patronage of the Yadava dynasty. Named after Hemadri Pandit (also known as Hemadpant), the prime minister of the Yadavas, the style is characterized by its use of dry masonry construction, relying on locally sourced black basalt and lime, rather than mortar. This construction technique, involving the precise interlocking of stones through tenon and mortise joints, provided both durability and seismic resistance.

Hemadpanti architecture blends elements from earlier Chalukyan traditions, with local cultural and geographical adaptations. Notable features of this style include star-shaped ground plans, intricate stone carvings, and serrated facades that create patterns of light and shadow. The design also incorporates layered ceiling structures, often with a central lotus motif symbolizing purity and renewal, particularly in temples. Some noteworthy buildings include the temples in Pandharpur, Aundha Nagnath, and the Vijapur city walls, the Gondeshwar Temple at Sinnar Maharastra and the Daitya Sudan temple (Lunar).