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15 Pallava Architecture

The Pallavas made important contributions to temple art and architecture in South India. They introduced the practice of excavating rock-cut temples, which evolved from simple cave structures to free-standing temples carved from single rocks. Eventually, the Pallavas developed structural temples built from quarried stone. This evolution took place over four periods: the Mahendra style introduced rock-cut temples; the Mamalla style produced monolithic rathas and mandapas at Mamallapuram; the Rajasimha and Nadivarman style created early structural temples like Kailasanatha; and the Aparajita style represented later structural temples at Kanchipuram. The Pallavas also significantly advanced sculpture and spread Indian cultural

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15 Pallava Architecture

The Pallavas made important contributions to temple art and architecture in South India. They introduced the practice of excavating rock-cut temples, which evolved from simple cave structures to free-standing temples carved from single rocks. Eventually, the Pallavas developed structural temples built from quarried stone. This evolution took place over four periods: the Mahendra style introduced rock-cut temples; the Mamalla style produced monolithic rathas and mandapas at Mamallapuram; the Rajasimha and Nadivarman style created early structural temples like Kailasanatha; and the Aparajita style represented later structural temples at Kanchipuram. The Pallavas also significantly advanced sculpture and spread Indian cultural

Uploaded by

Madhu Babu
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Write about the contribution of pallavas to the temple Art and

Architecture from Rock cut to the Structural temples?


The Pallavas introduced the art of excavating temples from the rock. In fact,
the Dravidian style of temple architecture began with the Pallava rule. It was
a gradual evolution starting from the cave temples to monolithic rathas and
culminated in structural temples.
The development of temple architecture under the Pallavas can be seen in
four stages.
1.Mahendra style (600-625 AD)
2.Mammala style (625-674 AD)
3.Rajasimha and Nadivarman style (674-800 AD)
4. Aparajita style (early 9th century)

1.Mahendra style (600-625 AD


Mahendravarman I introduced the rock-cut temples. This style of Pallava
temples are seen at places like Mandagappattu, Mahendravadi, Mamandur,
Dalavanur, Tiruchirappalli, Vallam, Siyamangalam and Tirukalukkunram.

2.Mammala style (625-674 AD)


The second stage of Pallava architecture is represented by the monolithic
rathas and Mandapas found at Mamallapuram. Narasimhavarman I took
the credit for these wonderful architectural monuments. The five rathas,
popularly called as the Panchapanadava rathas, signifies five different styles
of temple architecture. The mandapas contain beautiful sculptures on its
walls. The most popular of these mandapas are Mahishasuramardhini
Mandapa, Tirumurthi Mandapam and Varaha Madapam.

3.Rajasimha and Nadivarman style (674-800 AD)


In the this stage, Rajasimha introduced the structural temples. These
temples were built by using the soft sand rocks. The Kailasanatha temple at
Kanchi and the Shore temple at Mamallapuram remain the finest examples
of the early structural temples of the Pallavas. The Kailasanatha temple at
Kanchi is the greatest architectural master piece of the Pallava art.

4. Aparajita style (early 9th century)


The last stage of the Pallava art is also represented by structural temples
built by the later Pallavas. The Vaikundaperumal temple, Muktheeswara
temple and Matagenswara temples at Kanchipuram belong to this stage of
architecture.
 The Pallavas had also contributed to the development of sculpture.
Apart from the sculptures found in the temples, the ‘Open Art Gallery’
at Mamallapuram remains an important monument bearing the
sculptural beauty of this period.
 The Descent of the Ganges or the Penance of Arjuna is called a fresco
painting in stone.
 The minute details as well as the theme of these sculptures such as
the figures of lice-picking monkey, elephants of huge size and the
figure of the ‘ascetic cat’ standing erect show highly evovled sculpture
era.
Fine Arts
 Music, dance and painting had also developed under the patronage of
the Pallavas. The Mamandur inscription contains a note on the
notation of vocal music.
 The Kudumianmalai inscription referred to musical notes and
instruments.
 The Alwars and Nayanmars composed their hymns in various musical
notes.
Dance and drama also developed during this period.
 The sculptures of this period depict many dancing postures.
 The Sittannavasal paintings belonged to this period.
 The commentary called Dakshinchitra was compiled during the
reign of Mahendravarman I, who had the title Chittirakkarapuli.
Spread of Indian Culture
 Pallavas were also instrumental in spreading Indian culture in South-
East Asia.
 Till the eighth century AD Pallava influence was predominant in
Cambodia. Saivism enjoyed official patronage in these countries.
 The Pallava type of sikhara is to be found in the temples of Java,
Cambodia and Annam.
The Dravidian style of temple architecture began with the Pallava rule. It
was a gradual evolution starting from the rock cut- cave
temples to monolithic rathas which finally culminated in structural
temples.

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