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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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
April 18, 2024
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