Mahabalipuram
also known as Mamallapuram is as old as the Pallava dynasty in the 7th-9th
century in Tamil Nadu. A majority of the structures at Mahabalipuram are
straightaway carved out of granite. The sculptures here are one of the oldest
examples of Dravidian (South Indian) architecture that have survived till date.
It is also declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Because
of the number of sculptural wonders at Mahabalipuram, it is known as an open
air museum as well. Mahabalipuram is a collection of sanctuaries that were
founded by the Pallava kings. These sanctuaries were carved out of rock along
the Coromandel Coast. Mahabalipuram is especially celebrated for its mandapas
(cave sanctuaries), rathas (temples in the shape of chariots), colossal
open-air reliefs like s the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of
Rivage, along with scores of sculptures giving glory to Lord Shiva.
Mahabalipuram sculptures in India exhibit the rich variety of sculptural beauty
spread all through the country.
Sculptures
of Mahabalipuram
Here
are the Mahabalipuram sculptures in India. Check them out.
Ratha
Temples
Ratha
temples are the monolithic erections that are cut into the residual blocks of
diorite that came out from the sand. These temples, as mentioned above are in
form of the processional chariots. The five rathas of the south India, which
are the most renowned, date back to the sovereignty of Naharasimhavarman
Mamalla, the great Pallava king.
Mandapas
Rock
sanctuaries are known as mandalas as well. They are modeled in form of rooms
that are enveloped with bas-reliefs. The mandapa of Varaha, mirrors the works
of this incarnation of Vishnu; the mandapa of Mahishasuramardini, the mandapa
of the Pandavas and the mandapa of Krishna are notable.
Descent
of the Ganges
A
well-liked episode in the iconography of Siva is depicted by the rock reliefs
in the open air. This illustration is that of the Descent of the Ganges.
According to the legends, the prudent king Baghiratha requested him to do so,
thus, Siva commanded the Ganges to tumble down to Earth and to nurture the
earth. The sculptors have made use of the natural cleft and have divided the
cliff to put forward this celestial event which is witnessed by a teeming crowd
of gods, goddesses, mythological beings such as Gandherya, Kinnara, Gana,
Apsara, Naga and Nagini, along with wild and domestic animals.
Temple
of Rivage
This
temple is devoted to the glory of Shiva. This is built from the cut stone. It
was built during the reign of King Rajasimha Narasimavarmn II with its
high-stepped tower resembling a pyramid along with a great number of sculptures
all dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Monolithic
Rathas
Monolithic
rathas depict an assortment of architectural structures ranging from single- to
triple-storeyes. While the Dharmaraja Yudhishthir, Arjuna and Draupadi rathas
are quadrangle in plan, the rathas of Bhima and Ganesa are rectangular, and the
Sahadeva ratha is apsidal. It was during the reign of Pallava Rajasimha when
structural architecture was established on a splendid scale and concluded in
the creation of the Shore Temple.
Shore
Temple
The
Shore temple is another piece of architectural beauty. It stands against the
backdrop of the sparkling cobalt waters of the ocean. It was constructed in a
period when the style of the Pallavas was at its climax regarding its
ornamental exquisiteness and inherent excellence. This building went through
erosion by the acerbic action of seawater and air therefore; the sculptures of
this temple have become unclear. Mahabalipuram sculptures in India bring
appreciation and praises to the artworks of India. They are unique and
distinctive in their own way.
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