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Pallava Architecture: Pioneers of South India

April 18, 2024 693 0

The Pallavas (2nd century AD, Andhra region), migrated south to Tamil Nadu, leaving a significant architectural legacy.

Pallava Architecture

  • Region: The Pallavas, active from the second century CE in the Andhra region, migrated south to Tamil Nadu, leaving a significant architectural legacy.
  • Initial Structures: Initially, rock-cut structures attributed to Mahendravarman I coexisted with structural buildings, showcasing early mastery in both forms.

Classification of Pallava Architecture

The temple architecture in South India began under the Pallava rulers and can be classified into 4 stages:

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  • Mahendra group

    • The first stage of Pallava architecture was basically rock-cut temples.
    • Mahendravarman claims in his Mandagappattu inscription that his shrine to Brahma, Isvara and Vishnu was made without using traditional materials such as brick, timber, metal and mortar.
    • Temples are usually the mandapa type with a pillared hall or the mandapa in front and a small shrine at the rear or sides.

Pallava Architecture

  • Narasimha group

    • The rock-cut temples were decorated with intricate sculptures.
    • Under Narasimhavarman I, Panch Pandava Rathas were built, the biggest one being the Dharmaraja Ratha.
    • The Dravidian style of Temple architecture is a successor of Dharmaraja Ratha.
  • Rajasimha group

    • Under him development of real structural temples took place.
    • Example: Shore temple at Mahabalipuram was built in the reign of Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha(8th Century)  and Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram etc.
  • Nandivarman group

    • The temples were smaller in size.
    • The features were almost similar to the Dravidian style of temple architecture.

Mahabalipuram  [UPSC 2014, 2015, 2016]

  • This 7th-century Pallava site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Important monuments at Mahabalipuram:

  • Pancha Pandava Rathas: These are the earliest rock-cut temples Built under the patronage of Narasimhavarman I (630-668 AD) and comprise Dharmaraja ratha, Bhima ratha, Arjuna ratha, Nakula and Sahadeva ratha.
  • Rock-cut cave temples: Varaha cave temple, Krishna cave temple, Pancha Pandava cave temple and Mahishasuramardini Mandapa.
  • Open Air Rock Reliefs: Include the Descent of Ganges, also known as Arjuna’s penance or Bhagiratha’s penance. 
  • Shore temple complex: It has two small and one large temple. The temple is predominantly dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a sculpture of Anantashayana (Vishnu) in one of the three temples.
  • The compound includes evidence of a water tank, early gopuram, and sculptures of Nandi, though erosion has affected some carvings.

Varahamandapa Cave: It is behind the Arjuna’s Penance having the following features:

  • The front hall has two-lion pillars.
  • One of the panels represents Varaha raising the Earth from the ocean. 
  • A remarkable feature is the snout of the boar.

 

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Conclusion

  • Through their visionary contributions, the Pallavas not only shaped South Indian architecture but also laid the foundation for the development of diverse temple styles that endure to this day.
Related Articles 
From Sanchi Stupa To Sarnath Sculptures Buddhist Monuments Of South India
Sangam Age – Political History of South India Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE)
Jainism and Buddhism Vedic Period: History Notes

 

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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