Pandya Art and Architecture: Temples, Sculptures and Paintings

The art and architecture of the Pandya dynasty in South India reflect a rich cultural heritage. From education to religion, temples to sculpture, and painting, the Pandyas left a lasting legacy in various aspects of artistic expression. Their patronage of literature, promotion of education, and devotion to religious practices shaped the cultural landscape of the region.

An Overview of Pandya Art and Architecture: 

1. Education and Literature

• Promotion of Education: Education was promoted through the appointment of singers to recite the Bhakti hymns in the temples and play in theaters.
• Education in Sanskrit Treatises: Brahmins studied the Sanskrit treatises in educational centres Kadigai, Salai and Vidyastanam.
• Important Tamil Literary Texts: Tiruppavai, Tirvempavai, Tiruvasagam, Tirukkovai and Tirumantiram.

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2. Religion

• Evolution of Religious Beliefs: Pandayas earlier believed in Jainism but later adopted Saivism and Vaishnavism.
• Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan: was anointed in Srirangam temple, and to commemorate it, he donated an idol of Vishnu to the temple.
• Patronage of Vedic Practices: Pandyas extended patronage to Vedic practices:
  • Palyagasalai Mudukudumi Peruvaluthi, who performed many Vedic rituals, is identified with Pandyas of the Sangam period.
  • Velvikkudi copper plates as well as inscriptional sources mention rituals like Ashvameda yagya, Hiranyagarbha and Vajapeya yagna.
• Dual Patronage: Some kings were ardent Saivite and some were ardent Vaishnvavites. 
  • Temples of both sects were patronised.

3. Temples

• Variety of Pandya Temples: Pandyas built different models of temples – Sepulchral temple (e.g sundarapandisvaram), Rock-cut cave temples and Structural temples. 
• Early Pandyas: Prominent rock-cut cave temples can be found in Pillayarpatti, Tirumeyyam, Kuntrakkudi, Tiruchendur, Kalugumalai, Kanyakumari and Sittannavasal. 
  • Paintings: are found in the temples in Sittannavasal, Arittaapatti, Tirumalaipuram and Tirunedunkarai.
• Medieval Pandyas & Later Pandyas: did not build any new temples but maintained the existing temples, enlarging them with the addition of gopuras, mandapas and circumambulations.
• Monolithic Mega-sized Ornamental Pillars: are the unique feature of the medieval Pandya style
• Patronage of Meenakshi Temple: Pandyas especially patronised Meenakshi temple and kept expanding its premises by adding gopurams and mandapas.

4. Sculpture

• Aesthetic Appeal: Pandya sculptures are beautiful and decorative.
• Single Stone Carvings: Some sculptures are carved from a single stone.
  • Examples: Famous sculptures can be found at Kalugumalai, Thirupparankundram, Thiurmalaipuram, and Narthamalai.
• Prominent Sculptures: include Somaskandar, Durgai, Ganapathy, Narasimha, and Nataraja.
  • Vishnu sculpture at Kunnakudi and Nataraja sculpture at Thiurkolakkudi are considered exceptional, comparable to Pallava and Chola period sculptures. 

5. Paintings During the Pandyas

• Thirumalapuram Painting: Early Pandya paintings can be seen at Thirumalapuram Rock Cut Caves.
  • Divine Complements: These paintings show small secondary deities and naturalistic elements like lotus foliage and animals.
  • Colors Used: include white, indigo, black, and light blue.
• Sittanavasal Painting: Remaining frescoes are preserved on the ceilings and columns inside the cave temple.
  • Depiction of Pandyan-Style Frescoes: Pandyan-style frescoes from around 850 AD depict various scenes, including a lotus tank with monks, animals, and deities.
  • Composition: made with minerals like lime, wood charcoal, yellow ochre, red ochre, ultramarine, and terre verte.
  • Pillars Feature Figurines: of Pandya king Srimara Srivallabha and his queen offering reverence to Ilam Gautaman, the creator of the paintings.

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Conclusion

The art and architecture of the Pandyas stand as a testament to their bright cultural legacy. Their contributions to literature, religion, temple architecture, sculpture, and painting continue to inspire awe and admiration. Through their patronage and artistic endeavours, the Pandyas left an indelible mark on the artistic heritage of South India, enriching the region’s cultural tapestry for generations to come.