Exploring Pallava Art and Architecture [275-897AD]: Key Features, Influences, and Masterpieces

Evolution and Key Features of Pallava Art and Architecture

• Pallava architecture was divided into two phases:
  1. the rock-cut phase and
  2. the structural phase.
• Rock-Cut Phase: The early phase of Pallava architecture focused on rock-cut caves and temples. These early structures, like the cave temples at Mandagapattu, Mahendravadi, and Tiruchirappalli, were relatively simple. They typically featured a basic pillared hall and a sanctum with minimal sculpture.
• The rock-cut phase lasted from 610 AD to 668 AD and consisted of two groups of monuments, the Mahendra group, and the Mamalla group.
  • Monuments constructed during the reign of Mahendravarman I (610 AD- 630 AD) belong to the Mahendra Group.
  • The best examples of the Mahendra group of monuments are the cave temples at Mandagapattu, Pallavaram, and Mamandur.
  • The Mamalla group monuments were constructed during the reign of Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) (630–668)AD.
  • This period saw the construction of more elaborate rock-cut temples with finely carved pillars and detailed sculptures.
  • Some of the best examples of this style are the Pancha Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance at Mahabalipuram.
• Structural Phase: The second phase of Pallava architecture is the structural phase when free-standing structures are constructed with stone and mortar. The reign of Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II) marked a transition from rock-cut to structural temples.
  • Monuments of this phase are of two groups:
    • the Rajasimha group (690 to 800 AD) and
    • the Nandivarman group (800 to 900 AD).
  • The best examples of the Rajasimha group are the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and the Kailasanath Temple at Kanchi. The Kailasanath Temple is renowned for its large scale, elaborate carvings, and the use of sandstone, which allowed for more intricate carving.
  • The best example of the Nandivarman group of monuments is the Vaikunta Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram.
• Sculpture: Pallava sculptures are characterized by their dynamism and attention to detail. Common themes include depictions of Hindu deities, mythological scenes, and everyday life.

Pallava Architecture

Shore Temple Mahabalipuram

• The Shore Temple (725 AD) is a complex of temples.
• It is located in Mahabalipuram, about 60 km (37 mi) south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
• The site is also called Seven Pagodas.
• Before building the temple, the site was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II.
• It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated in the year 1984.
•  It is one of the oldest structural stone temples of Southern India.

Pancha Rathas Mahabalipuram

• Pancha Rathas (also known as Five Rathas or Pandava Rathas) is a monument complex at Mahabalipuram in the Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu.
• Pancha Rathas is an example of monolithic rock-cut architecture.
• The complex was initially thought to have been carved during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I (630–668 CE)
• The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Each of the five monuments in this complex looks like a chariot (ratha), and each is carved out of a single stone.
•  The structures are named after the Pancha Pandavas and their common wife Draupadi, of epic Mahabharata fame.

Kailasanath Temple

• The Kailasanath temple (Kanchipuram), is a Pallava-era historic Hindu temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• It is dedicated to Shiva.
• It was built by Narasimhavarman II with additions by Mahendra III at a later stage.
• The temple is notable for its intricately carved galaxy of Hindu art in the late 7th- and early 8th-century Tamil tradition.
• The temple is also notable for one of the early and best specimens of mural art in Tamil Nadu.

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple

• Vaikunta Perumal Temple is located in Kanchipuram.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known here as Vaikuntanathan, and his consort Goddess Lakshmi, called Sri Vaikundavalli.
• It is the second oldest temple in Kanchipuram, following the Kailasanathar temple.
• Construction:
  • The temple was built by Nandivarman II around 731-796 CE, with later additions from the Cholas and Vijayanagara emperors.
  • This temple is known for its three-tiered sanctum and the series of beautifully carved panels depicting Pallava kings and various legends.
• Rituals and Festivals:
  • The temple follows Vaikasana Agama traditions and performs six daily rituals.
  • It hosts two major annual festivals.

Mandagapattu Temple

• Location: Mandagapattu Tirumurti Temple is situated in Mandagapattu village in the Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to the Trinity: Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu: It is dedicated to the trinity Brahma-Shiva-Vishnu.
• Notable Feature: The temple is notable for the earliest known Sanskrit inscription written in Grantha script (a South Indian script, found particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala).
• Builder: It was built by Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE).

Varaha Cave Temple

• Name and Location:
  • Varaha Cave Temple, also known as Varaha Mandapa or Adivaraha Cave.
  • It is situated in Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The temple is a part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram which was Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
• Sculpture:
  • The cave also features carvings of many mythical figures.
  • The most prominent sculpture is of the Hindu god Vishnu in the form of Varaha (boar) lifting Bhudevi, the mother earth goddess, from the sea.

Mamandur Cave Temples

• 7th-Century Rock-Cut Cave Temple: The Mamandur Cave Temples are renowned for their impressive rock-cut architecture, dating back to the 7th century CE.
• Location: The temple is located in Mamandur village, in the Tiruvanamalai district of Tamil Nadu.
• Built by Pallava King: Inscriptions in the caves link them to Mahendravarman I.
• Tamil Brahmi Inscriptions: The caves contain Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, which are important for understanding the history and development of the Tamil script and language.
• Cave Paintings: Apart from the inscriptions, the caves also feature paintings.
• National Monument: The Mamandur Cave Temples have been declared Monuments of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Pallava Art

Pallava Sculpture

Pallava sculpture is known for its religious themes, focusing on Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga. Key examples are found in Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram, with famous works like the Mahishasuramardini and the Five Rathas. Pallava sculptural techniques and styles influenced the later Chola and other South Indian art, becoming a foundation for Dravidian temple architecture.

Features of Pallava Sculpture:

• Themes: Pallava sculptures mainly focus on religious subjects, especially Hindu gods like Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga. They also often show scenes from famous Indian epics, such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• Style: The Pallava style is known for its sense of movement and detailed representation of jewellery and clothing.

Notable Example of Pallava Sculpture

Descent of the Ganges

• Descent of the Ganges, also known as Arjuna’s Penance is an open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders of pink granite at Mamallapuram, on the Coromandel Coast in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu.
• The relief was created to celebrate the victory of Narasimhavarman I over Chalukya king Pulakesin II.
• It is 98 by 49 feet (30 m × 15 m) in size.
• The carvings depicted in the relief are the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha(a legendary king of the Ikshvaku dynasty).
• It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated in the year 1984.

Mahishasuramardini

• Description: The Mahishasuramardini Panel is one of the finest and most celebrated examples of Pallava sculpture, located in the caves of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram). It depicts the story of Goddess Durga’s battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura, a key event in Hindu mythology.
• Location: Mahishasuramardini Cave, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu
• Period: 7th century CE, likely during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)
• Type: Rock-cut bas-relief. Bas-relief is a type of sculpture where figures are slightly raised above the flat background, giving the illusion of depth without being fully three-dimensional.
• Theme: Hindu mythology—Victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura
• Size: The panel spans several meters, showcasing a complex scene carved into the rock wall of the cave.

Krishna Holding Govardhana

• Depiction of Krishna: Krishna is shown lifting the Govardhana hill effortlessly with one hand, standing in a graceful and confident posture.
• Divine Protection: The scene represents Krishna protecting the people of Vrindavana from a storm sent by Indra, showcasing his power as a protector.
• People and Animals Seeking Shelter: Beneath the hill, villagers, cowherds, women, children, and cows take refuge, symbolizing Krishna’s role as a guardian of life.

Trimurti (Three Forms of Shiva)

• Location: Kailasanatha Temple, built in the 8th century CE by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha).
• Representation: Depicts Shiva in three forms: Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), and Rudra/Shiva (Destroyer).

Ananthashayani Panel

• Depiction of Vishnu: Lord Vishnu is shown reclining on the serpent Ananta, who has multiple hoods, symbolizing infinity and the cosmic nature of the universe.
• Location: rock-cut caves of Mamallapuram.

Legacy of Pallava Art and Architecture

The Pallava style of architecture and sculpture had a deep influence on subsequent South Indian temple architecture. The Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara dynasties, among others, drew inspiration from Pallava architecture.

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Conclusion

The Pallavas were crucial in developing South Indian art and architecture. Their contributions, especially in creating rock-cut and structural temples, laid the groundwork for future temples. Today, their legacy is preserved in the monuments of Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, and other sites, which still attract scholars, tourists, and devotees from around the world.

Related Article:

• Pallava Dynasty

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