For the first time Kalinga, Utkala, Kongoda, and Kosala were unified and brought under one political authority. The uniform pattern of administration, removed disorder and confusion throughout the state and paved the way for a cultural synthesis leading to the emergence of a unique Odia culture.
Art, Architecture during Somavamsi period:
The typical Kalinga style reached its peak under their patronage, assumed its final shape, and became distinct in form and style. The Jagmohana became an inseparable element in the temple architecture and emerged as a Pidha Deul.
The deula came to possess a soaring height and majestic look in this period
The Muktesvara Temple:
The Somavamsi king Yayati I contributed to the building of the temple. This temple is also regarded as a grand ancestor of the Brahmesvara. Fergusson calls it ―a gem of odishan architecture‖. And to Rajendra Lal Mitra ―it is the handsomest-a charming epitome of the perfection of the Odishan architecture‖
Most probably the first stage of the development of temple architecture took place during the time of the Bhaumas,
and the second stage of development of Odishan temple styles began during the Somavamsi period
The earlier temples were of three rath type. But gradually this becomes pancha ratha, then sapta ratha, which is to be noticed in the styles of the temples of Mukteswara, Brahmeswara and Lingaraj of this period.
The mukhasalas of the early temples are rectangle in design with a thatched type of roof and from this the point of departure is to be noticed in the mukhasalas of the Mukteswar and Rajarani temple, being built with pidha type of roof. The knowledge of the architects of temple regarding temple architecture achieved much progress with the construction of the great Lingaraj temple, which dominated the all other temples with its much bigger size in proportion and
height.
In this, Dr. Krushna Chandra Panigrahi observed ―the Odishan temple type reached its complete form towards the close of the Somavamsi period. The architectural activities in the later period though by no means scarce, were more concerned with elaboration than with any introduction of new features or forms indicating new directions of development.
Source- EU Academic Research