Trip to Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu on December 5, 2007
Pidari Ratham
There are two rathams side by side,
one slightly smaller than the other. It is clear from these structures
that the artisans have carved the rathams starting at the top of the boulder.
The lower half of the rathams are unfinished. The top half is almost
complete with most of the finer details also carved.
Pidari Ratham, Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu
Pidari Ratham, Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu
Pidari Ratham, Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu
Pidari Ratham, Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu
Mr.Swaminathan led us to the top
of a boulder near the Pidari rathams, on which we could spot markings.
The work was abandoned, either because they found the boulder unfit or
perhaps there were other reasons why the work was stopped suddenly.
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.
|
