Pallava Architecture: Pioneers of South India

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.

• 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.

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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.

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