Legacy of Pallava Art and Architecture in South India

Pallava art and architecture mirror the changes in ancient South India’s religious and cultural scene.

They are known for their contributions to art, architecture, and religion. Initially followers of Jainism and Buddhism, they later embraced Saivism, influencing the region’s religious landscape. Their patronage of Sanskrit literature and introduction of rock-cut temples mark significant milestones in Indian history.

Pallava Art, Architecture, and Religious Dynamics

A. Religion  Dynamics

• • Evolution of Jain Religious Literature: Jains initially used Sanskrit and Prakrit for their religious literature but later adopted Tamil. 
  • Decline of Jainism: Jainism was highly popular, but competition from Hinduism led to a decline in Jain followers over the succeeding centuries.
  • Mahendravarman I’s Conversion: Mahendravarman I shifted his allegiance from Jainism to Saivism, leading to a loss of royal patronage for the Jains. 
    • Jain Persecution: He became intolerant towards Jainism and destroyed Jain monasteries.
  • Jain Educational and Religious Centers: Jains established educational centres near Madurai and Kanchi, as well as religious centres like Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. 
    • Jain Monastic Lifestyle: However, many Jain monks tended to isolate themselves in small caves in hills and forests.

• Monasteries and Mathas: They served as the core of the Buddhist educational system, concentrated around Kanchi, the valleys of the Krishna and the Godavari rivers.

• Decline of Buddhism: Buddhism faced decline due to the lack of royal patronage and conflict between orthodox and heterodox sects, giving an advantage to proponents of Vedic religions.
• Rise of Mathas: In the eighth century, Mathas gained popularity, serving as a combination of a rest house, feeding centre, and educational institution.

B. Sanskrit Literature

• Sanskrit: was the official language at the royal court, leading to its adoption in literary circles.
• Expansion of Sanskrit Education Centers: Alongside the renowned university in Kanchi, comparable to Nalanda, there were several other Sanskrit colleges
• Mahendravarman I: composed Mathavilasa Prahasanam in Sanskrit.
• Two extraordinary works in Sanskrit set the standard for Sanskrit literature in the south:
  • Kiratarjuniya by Bharavi and Dashakumaracharita by Dandin. 
• Dandin of Kanchipuram: author of the great treatise on rhetoric Kavyadarsa, seems to have stayed in Pallava court for some time.

C. Architectural Innovations and Linguistic Evolution

• Innovation in Pallava Architecture: Mahendravarman I introduced rock-cut temples in the Pallava territory. 
  • Characteristics: His rock temples are usually the mandapa type, with a pillared hall or mandapa in front and a small shrine at the rear or sides.
• Mandagappattu Inscription: mentions that shrines to Brahma, Isvara and Vishnu were made without using traditional materials such as brick, timber, metal and mortar. 
• Depiction of Queen: The image of Queen Rangapataka, the queen of Rajasimha, is found in the inscription in the Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram.
• Language in Pallava Charters: The early Pallava rulers issued their charters in Prakrit. 
  • The second line of Pallava rulers issued their charters in Sanskrit

Four Distinct Styles of Pallava Architecture

• Contribution to South Indian Architecture: The Pallavas of Kanchi left a lasting legacy in South Indian architecture through their distinctive Dravidian style. 
• Origins of Pallava Architecture: This architectural tradition began with rock-cut structures, setting the groundwork for what would later evolve into magnificent temples. 
• Four Distinct Styles: Over time, Pallava architecture progressed through: the Mahendra Style, Mamalla Style, Rajasimha Style, and Nandivarman Style.

1. Mahendravarman I Style of Architecture: Pallava architecture originated during the reign of Mahendravarman I.
   • It introduced a new style of temple construction using rock-cut techniques.
   • These temples also known as “Mandapas,” were devoid of traditional building materials like bricks, iron, lime, and wood.
   • Mandapas typically featured pillared halls leading to a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) at the end.
   • Shaiva Garbhagrihas housed statues of Lord Shiva, while Vaishnava Garbhagrihas contained statues of Lord Vishnu.
   • Examples: Rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram and various Mandapas found throughout the region include 
     • Trimurti Mandapa of Mandaggapattu, 
     • Panchapandava Mandapa of Pallvaram, 
     • Mahendravishnu Mandapa of Mahendravadi and 
     • Lalitankur Pallavaveshwar Griha Mandapa of Trichinapalli. 
2. Mamalla Style of Architecture: Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, flourished architecturally under Narsimhavarman I.
   • • • Numerous monolithic rock-cut cave temples and statues adorned the seashore.
       • Two Distinct Temple Types: Mandapas and Rathas.
       • Mandapas: in the Mamalla style were more intricately decorated compared to those from the Mahendravarman era. 
         • They featured pillars supported by lion-headed bases. 
         • Examples: Varaha Mandapa, Mahisasur Mandapa, and Pancha Pandava Mandapa.
       • Rathas: were standalone monolithic shrines resembling chariots, usually crafted from granite stones.
       • Seven Pagodas: Western architects often refer to these Rathas as “Seven Pagodas” or “Seven Rathas” due to their sevenfold arrangement.

• Examples: Draupadi Ratha, Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhim Ratha and Ganesha Ratha.

3. Rajasimha Style of Architecture: The architectural style initiated by Narsimhavarman II Rajsimha marked a shift towards using materials like bricks, wood, and stones in temple construction.

• • Examples: the Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram, Kailasha temple of Kanchi, Ishwariya temple, Mukunda temple and Vaikunthaperumal temple.
  • Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram: stands out as a masterpiece of Rajasimha architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The Kailasha Temple in Kanchi: which began construction under Rajasimha but was completed by Mahendravarman II. 
    • This temple showcases various elements of the Dravida style, including Gopurams, pillars, Mandapas, and Vimanas.
  • Vaikunthaperumal Temple: built by Parmeshwarvarman II. It was dedicated to Bhagwat religion. 

• • • The internal walls of this temple consists of the paintings of scenes of war, coronation, ashwamedha yajna, etc.  

4. Nandivarman Style of Architecture: Following the decline of the Rajasimha architectural style, Pallava architecture also experienced a downturn.

• Weak Pallava rulers were unable to sustain the construction of large temples and monuments.
• Temples of this period were smaller in size, less ornate, and lacked innovation compared to earlier styles.

• • Example: Mukteshwara and Matangeshwara temples

Conclusion

The Pallavas left a lasting legacy in South Indian culture through their promotion of Hinduism, development of rock-cut temples, and support for Sanskrit literature. While their reign saw a decline in Jainism and Buddhism, their architectural marvels and literary achievements continue to inspire generations, showcasing their enduring impact on the cultural landscape of India.

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