Culture, Literature, Art and Architecture under the Pallavas | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


9. CULTURE, LITERATURE, ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural development
was significant. They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil
and Sanskrit literature. The Pallavas had earned name and fame
through their magnificent art and architecture. We know that
Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world. Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony
to the cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
Growth of Literature:
The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages. Their capital Kanchi had remained a great
centre for Sanskrit learning. The Pallava monarch,
Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam
and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit. Dandin was a great
Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadarsa. Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited
Kanchipuram during the Pallava period.
Tamil literature had also developed during this period. We
have studied that the Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their
hymns in Tamil. Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature
during the Pallava period was significant. Their devotional songs
constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba
during this period. Kalladanar had composed a grammar book
called Kalladam. Another work Nandikalambakam describes
the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its author. Thus,
the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and
Tamil literature.
Learn the fact that both Sanskrit and Tamil were
the earliest languages of India
Art and Architecture:
The glory of the Pallavas still remains in their contribution
to the art and architecture. They were the pioneers of South Indian
art and architecture. They had introduced the stone architecture in
the Tamil country. Their contributions are still extant because
granite was used for building temples and carving sculptures. The
Pallava architecture had evolved stage by stage from the period of
Mahendravarman I.
79
Page 2


9. CULTURE, LITERATURE, ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural development
was significant. They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil
and Sanskrit literature. The Pallavas had earned name and fame
through their magnificent art and architecture. We know that
Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world. Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony
to the cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
Growth of Literature:
The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages. Their capital Kanchi had remained a great
centre for Sanskrit learning. The Pallava monarch,
Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam
and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit. Dandin was a great
Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadarsa. Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited
Kanchipuram during the Pallava period.
Tamil literature had also developed during this period. We
have studied that the Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their
hymns in Tamil. Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature
during the Pallava period was significant. Their devotional songs
constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba
during this period. Kalladanar had composed a grammar book
called Kalladam. Another work Nandikalambakam describes
the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its author. Thus,
the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and
Tamil literature.
Learn the fact that both Sanskrit and Tamil were
the earliest languages of India
Art and Architecture:
The glory of the Pallavas still remains in their contribution
to the art and architecture. They were the pioneers of South Indian
art and architecture. They had introduced the stone architecture in
the Tamil country. Their contributions are still extant because
granite was used for building temples and carving sculptures. The
Pallava architecture had evolved stage by stage from the period of
Mahendravarman I.
79
9. CULTURE, LITERATURE, ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural development
was significant. They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil
and Sanskrit literature. The Pallavas had earned name and fame
through their magnificent art and architecture. We know that
Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world. Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony
to the cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
Growth of Literature:
The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages. Their capital Kanchi had remained a great
centre for Sanskrit learning. The Pallava monarch,
Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam
and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit. Dandin was a great
Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadarsa. Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited
Kanchipuram during the Pallava period.
Tamil literature had also developed during this period. We
have studied that the Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their
hymns in Tamil. Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature
during the Pallava period was significant. Their devotional songs
constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba
during this period. Kalladanar had composed a grammar book
called Kalladam. Another work Nandikalambakam describes
the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its author. Thus,
the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and
Tamil literature.
Learn the fact that both Sanskrit and Tamil were
the earliest languages of India
Art and Architecture:
The glory of the Pallavas still remains in their contribution
to the art and architecture. They were the pioneers of South Indian
art and architecture. They had introduced the stone architecture in
the Tamil country. Their contributions are still extant because
granite was used for building temples and carving sculptures. The
Pallava architecture had evolved stage by stage from the period of
Mahendravarman I.
79
Page 3


9. CULTURE, LITERATURE, ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural development
was significant. They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil
and Sanskrit literature. The Pallavas had earned name and fame
through their magnificent art and architecture. We know that
Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world. Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony
to the cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
Growth of Literature:
The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages. Their capital Kanchi had remained a great
centre for Sanskrit learning. The Pallava monarch,
Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam
and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit. Dandin was a great
Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadarsa. Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited
Kanchipuram during the Pallava period.
Tamil literature had also developed during this period. We
have studied that the Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their
hymns in Tamil. Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature
during the Pallava period was significant. Their devotional songs
constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba
during this period. Kalladanar had composed a grammar book
called Kalladam. Another work Nandikalambakam describes
the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its author. Thus,
the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and
Tamil literature.
Learn the fact that both Sanskrit and Tamil were
the earliest languages of India
Art and Architecture:
The glory of the Pallavas still remains in their contribution
to the art and architecture. They were the pioneers of South Indian
art and architecture. They had introduced the stone architecture in
the Tamil country. Their contributions are still extant because
granite was used for building temples and carving sculptures. The
Pallava architecture had evolved stage by stage from the period of
Mahendravarman I.
79
9. CULTURE, LITERATURE, ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural development
was significant. They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil
and Sanskrit literature. The Pallavas had earned name and fame
through their magnificent art and architecture. We know that
Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world. Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony
to the cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
Growth of Literature:
The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages. Their capital Kanchi had remained a great
centre for Sanskrit learning. The Pallava monarch,
Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam
and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit. Dandin was a great
Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadarsa. Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited
Kanchipuram during the Pallava period.
Tamil literature had also developed during this period. We
have studied that the Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their
hymns in Tamil. Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature
during the Pallava period was significant. Their devotional songs
constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba
during this period. Kalladanar had composed a grammar book
called Kalladam. Another work Nandikalambakam describes
the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its author. Thus,
the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and
Tamil literature.
Learn the fact that both Sanskrit and Tamil were
the earliest languages of India
Art and Architecture:
The glory of the Pallavas still remains in their contribution
to the art and architecture. They were the pioneers of South Indian
art and architecture. They had introduced the stone architecture in
the Tamil country. Their contributions are still extant because
granite was used for building temples and carving sculptures. The
Pallava architecture had evolved stage by stage from the period of
Mahendravarman I.
79
We can broadly classify the Pallava architecture as
1. Rock-cut temples.
2. Monolithic Rathas and Sculptural Mandapas and
3. Structural temples.
Rock-cut temples:
We call the Pallava rock-cut temples as Mahendravarman
style. He carved temples out of the rocks and thus they were known
as rock cut temples. It was really an innovation in the sphere of art
because he did not use any other building materials. Therefore, he
was hailed as Vichitra Chitta. In these rock cut temples, we find
the sanctum sanctorum and on the walls of it beautiful sculptures.
The pillars are carved in such a way that they stand on the heads of
lions. The rock cut temples of Mahendravarman I are found at
various places of Tamil Nadu. The most important among them
are Pallavaram, Mamandur, Mahendravadi, Vallam and
Thalavanur.
Monolithic Rathas:
The monolithic rathas and sculptural mandapas constitute
the Mamalla style of architecture. The Pallava king,
Narasimhavarman I was known as Mamalla. He had converted
the port of Mamallapuram as a beautiful city of art and architecture.
The Monolithic rathas at Mamallapuram are now called as Pancha
Pandava Rathas. Each ratha or chariot was carved out of single
rock and hence the name monolithic. These rathas depict the five
different forms of temple architecture.
The mandapas or halls at Mamallapuram had also belonged
to the Mamallan period. Each mandapa was carved out of single
rock. On the side- walls of these mandapas, beautiful sculptures
depicting Puranic stories had been carved. The scene depicting
Fig. 12. Map - Places of Rock-cut temples
1. Mahendravadi
2. Pallavaram
3. Mamallapuram
4. Thirukkazhukunram
80 81
5. Vallam
6. Mamandur
7. Thalavanur
8. Mandagappattu
Page 4


9. CULTURE, LITERATURE, ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural development
was significant. They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil
and Sanskrit literature. The Pallavas had earned name and fame
through their magnificent art and architecture. We know that
Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world. Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony
to the cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
Growth of Literature:
The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages. Their capital Kanchi had remained a great
centre for Sanskrit learning. The Pallava monarch,
Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam
and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit. Dandin was a great
Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadarsa. Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited
Kanchipuram during the Pallava period.
Tamil literature had also developed during this period. We
have studied that the Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their
hymns in Tamil. Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature
during the Pallava period was significant. Their devotional songs
constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba
during this period. Kalladanar had composed a grammar book
called Kalladam. Another work Nandikalambakam describes
the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its author. Thus,
the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and
Tamil literature.
Learn the fact that both Sanskrit and Tamil were
the earliest languages of India
Art and Architecture:
The glory of the Pallavas still remains in their contribution
to the art and architecture. They were the pioneers of South Indian
art and architecture. They had introduced the stone architecture in
the Tamil country. Their contributions are still extant because
granite was used for building temples and carving sculptures. The
Pallava architecture had evolved stage by stage from the period of
Mahendravarman I.
79
9. CULTURE, LITERATURE, ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural development
was significant. They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil
and Sanskrit literature. The Pallavas had earned name and fame
through their magnificent art and architecture. We know that
Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world. Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony
to the cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
Growth of Literature:
The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages. Their capital Kanchi had remained a great
centre for Sanskrit learning. The Pallava monarch,
Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam
and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit. Dandin was a great
Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadarsa. Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited
Kanchipuram during the Pallava period.
Tamil literature had also developed during this period. We
have studied that the Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their
hymns in Tamil. Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature
during the Pallava period was significant. Their devotional songs
constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba
during this period. Kalladanar had composed a grammar book
called Kalladam. Another work Nandikalambakam describes
the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its author. Thus,
the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and
Tamil literature.
Learn the fact that both Sanskrit and Tamil were
the earliest languages of India
Art and Architecture:
The glory of the Pallavas still remains in their contribution
to the art and architecture. They were the pioneers of South Indian
art and architecture. They had introduced the stone architecture in
the Tamil country. Their contributions are still extant because
granite was used for building temples and carving sculptures. The
Pallava architecture had evolved stage by stage from the period of
Mahendravarman I.
79
We can broadly classify the Pallava architecture as
1. Rock-cut temples.
2. Monolithic Rathas and Sculptural Mandapas and
3. Structural temples.
Rock-cut temples:
We call the Pallava rock-cut temples as Mahendravarman
style. He carved temples out of the rocks and thus they were known
as rock cut temples. It was really an innovation in the sphere of art
because he did not use any other building materials. Therefore, he
was hailed as Vichitra Chitta. In these rock cut temples, we find
the sanctum sanctorum and on the walls of it beautiful sculptures.
The pillars are carved in such a way that they stand on the heads of
lions. The rock cut temples of Mahendravarman I are found at
various places of Tamil Nadu. The most important among them
are Pallavaram, Mamandur, Mahendravadi, Vallam and
Thalavanur.
Monolithic Rathas:
The monolithic rathas and sculptural mandapas constitute
the Mamalla style of architecture. The Pallava king,
Narasimhavarman I was known as Mamalla. He had converted
the port of Mamallapuram as a beautiful city of art and architecture.
The Monolithic rathas at Mamallapuram are now called as Pancha
Pandava Rathas. Each ratha or chariot was carved out of single
rock and hence the name monolithic. These rathas depict the five
different forms of temple architecture.
The mandapas or halls at Mamallapuram had also belonged
to the Mamallan period. Each mandapa was carved out of single
rock. On the side- walls of these mandapas, beautiful sculptures
depicting Puranic stories had been carved. The scene depicting
Fig. 12. Map - Places of Rock-cut temples
1. Mahendravadi
2. Pallavaram
3. Mamallapuram
4. Thirukkazhukunram
80 81
5. Vallam
6. Mamandur
7. Thalavanur
8. Mandagappattu
We can broadly classify the Pallava architecture as
1. Rock-cut temples.
2. Monolithic Rathas and Sculptural Mandapas and
3. Structural temples.
Rock-cut temples:
We call the Pallava rock-cut temples as Mahendravarman
style. He carved temples out of the rocks and thus they were known
as rock cut temples. It was really an innovation in the sphere of art
because he did not use any other building materials. Therefore, he
was hailed as Vichitra Chitta. In these rock cut temples, we find
the sanctum sanctorum and on the walls of it beautiful sculptures.
The pillars are carved in such a way that they stand on the heads of
lions. The rock cut temples of Mahendravarman I are found at
various places of Tamil Nadu. The most important among them
are Pallavaram, Mamandur, Mahendravadi, Vallam and
Thalavanur.
Monolithic Rathas:
The monolithic rathas and sculptural mandapas constitute
the Mamalla style of architecture. The Pallava king,
Narasimhavarman I was known as Mamalla. He had converted
the port of Mamallapuram as a beautiful city of art and architecture.
The Monolithic rathas at Mamallapuram are now called as Pancha
Pandava Rathas. Each ratha or chariot was carved out of single
rock and hence the name monolithic. These rathas depict the five
different forms of temple architecture.
The mandapas or halls at Mamallapuram had also belonged
to the Mamallan period. Each mandapa was carved out of single
rock. On the side- walls of these mandapas, beautiful sculptures
depicting Puranic stories had been carved. The scene depicting
Fig. 12. Map - Places of Rock-cut temples
1. Mahendravadi
2. Pallavaram
3. Mamallapuram
4. Thirukkazhukunram
80 81
5. Vallam
6. Mamandur
7. Thalavanur
8. Mandagappattu
Page 5


9. CULTURE, LITERATURE, ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural development
was significant. They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil
and Sanskrit literature. The Pallavas had earned name and fame
through their magnificent art and architecture. We know that
Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world. Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony
to the cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
Growth of Literature:
The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages. Their capital Kanchi had remained a great
centre for Sanskrit learning. The Pallava monarch,
Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam
and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit. Dandin was a great
Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadarsa. Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited
Kanchipuram during the Pallava period.
Tamil literature had also developed during this period. We
have studied that the Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their
hymns in Tamil. Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature
during the Pallava period was significant. Their devotional songs
constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba
during this period. Kalladanar had composed a grammar book
called Kalladam. Another work Nandikalambakam describes
the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its author. Thus,
the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and
Tamil literature.
Learn the fact that both Sanskrit and Tamil were
the earliest languages of India
Art and Architecture:
The glory of the Pallavas still remains in their contribution
to the art and architecture. They were the pioneers of South Indian
art and architecture. They had introduced the stone architecture in
the Tamil country. Their contributions are still extant because
granite was used for building temples and carving sculptures. The
Pallava architecture had evolved stage by stage from the period of
Mahendravarman I.
79
9. CULTURE, LITERATURE, ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural development
was significant. They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil
and Sanskrit literature. The Pallavas had earned name and fame
through their magnificent art and architecture. We know that
Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world. Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony
to the cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
Growth of Literature:
The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages. Their capital Kanchi had remained a great
centre for Sanskrit learning. The Pallava monarch,
Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam
and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit. Dandin was a great
Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadarsa. Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited
Kanchipuram during the Pallava period.
Tamil literature had also developed during this period. We
have studied that the Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their
hymns in Tamil. Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature
during the Pallava period was significant. Their devotional songs
constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba
during this period. Kalladanar had composed a grammar book
called Kalladam. Another work Nandikalambakam describes
the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its author. Thus,
the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and
Tamil literature.
Learn the fact that both Sanskrit and Tamil were
the earliest languages of India
Art and Architecture:
The glory of the Pallavas still remains in their contribution
to the art and architecture. They were the pioneers of South Indian
art and architecture. They had introduced the stone architecture in
the Tamil country. Their contributions are still extant because
granite was used for building temples and carving sculptures. The
Pallava architecture had evolved stage by stage from the period of
Mahendravarman I.
79
We can broadly classify the Pallava architecture as
1. Rock-cut temples.
2. Monolithic Rathas and Sculptural Mandapas and
3. Structural temples.
Rock-cut temples:
We call the Pallava rock-cut temples as Mahendravarman
style. He carved temples out of the rocks and thus they were known
as rock cut temples. It was really an innovation in the sphere of art
because he did not use any other building materials. Therefore, he
was hailed as Vichitra Chitta. In these rock cut temples, we find
the sanctum sanctorum and on the walls of it beautiful sculptures.
The pillars are carved in such a way that they stand on the heads of
lions. The rock cut temples of Mahendravarman I are found at
various places of Tamil Nadu. The most important among them
are Pallavaram, Mamandur, Mahendravadi, Vallam and
Thalavanur.
Monolithic Rathas:
The monolithic rathas and sculptural mandapas constitute
the Mamalla style of architecture. The Pallava king,
Narasimhavarman I was known as Mamalla. He had converted
the port of Mamallapuram as a beautiful city of art and architecture.
The Monolithic rathas at Mamallapuram are now called as Pancha
Pandava Rathas. Each ratha or chariot was carved out of single
rock and hence the name monolithic. These rathas depict the five
different forms of temple architecture.
The mandapas or halls at Mamallapuram had also belonged
to the Mamallan period. Each mandapa was carved out of single
rock. On the side- walls of these mandapas, beautiful sculptures
depicting Puranic stories had been carved. The scene depicting
Fig. 12. Map - Places of Rock-cut temples
1. Mahendravadi
2. Pallavaram
3. Mamallapuram
4. Thirukkazhukunram
80 81
5. Vallam
6. Mamandur
7. Thalavanur
8. Mandagappattu
We can broadly classify the Pallava architecture as
1. Rock-cut temples.
2. Monolithic Rathas and Sculptural Mandapas and
3. Structural temples.
Rock-cut temples:
We call the Pallava rock-cut temples as Mahendravarman
style. He carved temples out of the rocks and thus they were known
as rock cut temples. It was really an innovation in the sphere of art
because he did not use any other building materials. Therefore, he
was hailed as Vichitra Chitta. In these rock cut temples, we find
the sanctum sanctorum and on the walls of it beautiful sculptures.
The pillars are carved in such a way that they stand on the heads of
lions. The rock cut temples of Mahendravarman I are found at
various places of Tamil Nadu. The most important among them
are Pallavaram, Mamandur, Mahendravadi, Vallam and
Thalavanur.
Monolithic Rathas:
The monolithic rathas and sculptural mandapas constitute
the Mamalla style of architecture. The Pallava king,
Narasimhavarman I was known as Mamalla. He had converted
the port of Mamallapuram as a beautiful city of art and architecture.
The Monolithic rathas at Mamallapuram are now called as Pancha
Pandava Rathas. Each ratha or chariot was carved out of single
rock and hence the name monolithic. These rathas depict the five
different forms of temple architecture.
The mandapas or halls at Mamallapuram had also belonged
to the Mamallan period. Each mandapa was carved out of single
rock. On the side- walls of these mandapas, beautiful sculptures
depicting Puranic stories had been carved. The scene depicting
Fig. 12. Map - Places of Rock-cut temples
1. Mahendravadi
2. Pallavaram
3. Mamallapuram
4. Thirukkazhukunram
80 81
5. Vallam
6. Mamandur
7. Thalavanur
8. Mandagappattu
the Goddess Durga’s attack on Mahishasura is seen in the
Mahishasura Mardhini Mandapa. Such beautiful sculptures have
also been carved in Tirumurthi and Varaha mandapas.
structures were built with the use of granite slabs. Hence, they are
known as structural temples.
We can broadly classify the Pallava structural temples into
1. Rajasimha Style and
2. Nandivarman Style
The earliest among the Pallava structural temples were the
Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram and the Shore Temple at
Mamallapuram. These temples were built by using sandstones.
The Vimana or tower of the Kailasanatha temple is shaped like
hilly comb. This temple is considered as the Crown of Pallava
architecture. This temple is also called as Rajasimheswaram. We
also find beautiful sculptures in this temple. The sculptures
depicting the scenes of the satirical drama Mathavilasa Prakasanam
have been engraved in this temple. The Shore temple at
Mamallapuram is also filled with numerous sculptures. This temple
attracts tourists from all over the world.
Fig. 13. Mahishasura Mardhini Mandapa
Fig. 14. Open Art Gallery
82 83
The most important among the Mamalla style of architecture
is the Open Art Gallery. Several miniature sculptures have been
carved beautifully on the wall of a big rock. The fall of the River
Ganges from the head of God Siva and the Arjuna’s penance are
notable among them. The images of deer, monkey, cat, mouse and
other animals are beautifully carved on this huge rock.
Try to know the significance of the Government
College of Art and Sculpture at Mamallapuram
Structural Temples:
So far, we have studied about the rock-cut temples and
sculptural mandapas. From the reign period of Rajasimha, the
construction of structural temples had started. These temple