Painstakingly carved from monolithic rocks, most of the buildings at Mahabalipuram are impressive examples of Dravidian architecture. Gloriously complex designs can be seen here, wrought from caves or sculpted into chariot shapes and columns from solid rock, but a large number of them are mysteriously unfinished. It is widely believed that the area was in fact a sculptors’ school, which would explain the variety of different styles on display. Most were made between the 7th and 9th Centuries, and include Thirukadalmallai, a temple to Lord Vishnu, built directly on the seashore to protect the other beautiful artworks from the sea, and the Varaha Cave Temple, somehow carved into the side of a cliff and depicting detailed lions, gods and goddesses in stone without a single mistake. Of particular note is the enigmatic 'Arjuna's Penance' relief sculpture, also believed to depict the 'Descent of Ganga'.

Written by  larapiegeler.

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Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.

Copyright © UNESCO/World Heritage Centre. All rights reserved.

 

Review posted 7th December 2007 by World Reviewer Staff.

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