Trip to Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu on December 5, 2007
Valayankutai
Ratham
A beautiful ratham with an unfinished
lower portion is perched on a slope, almost as if it is waiting for wheels
to be fitted, ready to roll of any time.
Valayankutai Ratham, Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu
Valayankutai Ratham, Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu
Valayankutai Ratham, Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu
Valayankutai Ratham, Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu
Dr.Swaminathan, retired professor from IIT Delhi had organized a trip
to Mahabalipuram to understand and appreciate better the great art
treasures gifted to us by the Pallavas.
We visited only a few mandapams and caves, but at every spot
Mr.Swaminathan shared with us details such as - the Pallava kings who
had contributed, the structural variations / refinement that can be
observed in the structures belonging to different periods. And sadly,
also the vandalism - mostly broken noses, attempt to project a Siva
temple as a Vishnu temple or vice versa and also an attempt by the kings
to take credit without contributing. Since several Pallava rulers seem
to have shared the same titles, that further adds to the confusion.
Mr.Swaminathan first gave a general introduction to the temple
architecture and sculpture - the different styles of rock architecture
seen at Mahabalipuram - the monoliths, cave mandapams, structural
temple, bas relief.
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