A new world of knowledge

Amazing Heritage Grand Experiences

World Heritage Sites in India

"Walk with ttiekirig oftfiejungle side by side. Itisa anceina
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 Contents
05 DELHI
Qutab Minar | Red Fort
Humayun's Tomb

09 UTTAR PRADESH
Taj Mahal, Agra | Agra Fort |
Fatehpur Sikri

13 BIHAR
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

14 GOA
Churches and Convents of Goa

15 GUJARAT & RAJASTHAN

Champaner Archaeological Park
T h e j a n t a r Mantar, Jaipur

16 KARNATAKA
Hampi | Pattadakal

18 MADHYA PRADESH
Khajuraho | Sanchi
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

21 MAHARASHTRA
Ajanta & Ellora | Elephanta Caves
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, M u m b a i

24 ORISSA
Sun Temple, Konarak

25 TAMIL NADU
Mahabalipuram | Chola Temples

DESIGN: DEEPIKA CHOUDHURY _ — , .

TEXT: RANEE SAHANEY £ I , Jf \
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: ALOK SRIVASTAVA, | < J
BUSINESS : SHISHIR SAXENA, SANTOSH NAIR, ANTHONY JOSEPH, MEGHA MISHRA, * J'
A new world of knowledge
Printed and published by Maheshwer Peri on behalf of Outlook Publishing (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Printed at C H Prints Pvt. Ltd,A-2S6 Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-20 and published from AB-10, S.J. Enclave, New Delhi-29
LIST OF WORLD HERITAGE SITES (INDIA)

CULTURAL SITES ORISSA

DELHI Sun Temple, Konarak (1984)
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993) RAJASTHAN
Qutb Minarand its Monuments, Delhi (1993) The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
Red Fort Complex (2007) TAMIL NADU
BIHAR Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002) Great Living Chola Temples (1987)
GOA UTTAR PRADESH
Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) Taj Mahal, Agra (1983) I Agra Fort (1983)
GUJARAT Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004) WEST BENGAL
KARNATAKA Mountain Railways of India (1999)
Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987) NATURAL SITES
MADHYA PRADESH ASSAM
Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) Kaziranga National Park (1985)
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) RAJASTHAN
MAHARASTRA Keoladeo National Park (1985)
Ajanta Caves (1983) UTTARAKHAND
Ellora Caves (1983) Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988)
Elephanta Caves (1987) WEST BENGAL
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai(2004) Sundarbans National Park (1987)

INTRODUCTION: The prestige and monetary aid which comes with the recognition as a World Heritage
Site, accorded by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee to India's Cultural and Natural wonders, goes
a long way in the preservation of its ancient heritage. It also plays a pivotal role as a watch guard in
cautioning us in the event of any danger of its deterioration—natural or manmade. UNESCO's World
Heritage Site list currently includes 911 inscribed properties forming part of the cultural and natural
heritage, which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. Of these
India has 28, with Jantar Mantar in Jaipur being the latest inscribed addition (2010) to the list.

THE CRITERIA FOR SELECTION: To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding
universal value and meet at least one out often selection criteria. These criteria are explained in the
Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention which, besides the
text of the Convention, is the main working tool on World Heritage. The criteria are regularly revised by
the Committee to reflect the evolution of the World Heritage concept itself. Until the end of 2004, World
Heritage sites were selected on the basis of six cultural and four natural criteria. With the adoption of the
revised Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, only one set of
ten criteria exists. FOR MORE INFORMATION, LOG ON TO:- http://whc.unesco.org I asi.nic.in

Delhi
HUMAYUNSTOMB
Spread out amidst cool lawns studded with several other
antique structures, the ancient stones of Humayun's Tomb
have echoed with the soulful Sufi spirituals sung by some
of the world's most renowned Sufi exponents. Across the
road, in the historic environs of Nizamuddin, lie the mortals
remains of Delhi's legendary Sufi saint—Khwaja Nizamuddin
Aulia. For the mystical Mughal Emperor Humayun - who
spent a lifetime studying the heavens, remained a fugitive
for much of his early years as a custodian of his father,
Emperor Babur's Mughal empire, and fell to too early a death
at his palace in the Purana Qila to enjoy his rule - these
spiritually inspiring environs seem to be a befitting place for
that final sleep within the precincts of one of India's most
architecturally perfect mausoleums.
Commissioned to a Persian architect Mirak Mirza
Ghiyath, by the emperor's widow Hamida Bano (Haji Begum)
in 1569-70, 14 years after his passing, Humayun's Tomb
"is of particular cultural significance as it was the first
garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent". With its several
important architectural innovations, aesthetics, and scale
of grandeur, the tomb is said to be a forerunner of the
legendry Taj Mahal a century on, which is represented as
a culmination of these exquisite refinements in the Mughal
garden-tomb concept.
05
DELHI
Surrounded by a beautiful 3-sided walled garden, set in
the classical Persian-inspired charbagh (4 gardens) design,
the tomb used to overlook the River Jamuna (which has
since changed its couree).The charbagh pattern is formed
by two bisected water channel edged by walkways - o n e
leading to the a gate pierced into southern wall and the
other to a smaller gate set in the western wall.
The tomb itself is centred upon a 7m high plinth. The
central dome vaults to a height of 140ft from terra firma.
The dome is a double layered o n e - with the outer layer
acting as a support to the external facade of white marble,
while the inner layer provides body to the cavernous space
of the interior. Red sandstone off-set by white marble
embellishments clad the rest of the structure. Arches
and openings lend a sense of depth to the structure at
each facade and the choice of different coloured stone to
enhance the ornamentation adds a unique radiance to the
surface. The main tomb itself is a marvel of architectural
complexity marked by an astonishingly harmonious
breathtaking symmetiy. Amongst several other features
in the complex the Hindu chattris surrounding the central
dome (under which lies the sarcophagus of the emperor)
mark the tomb's definitive indication of the Indo-lslamic
architectural tradition that was firmly taking root during
the Mughal period.
06

This graceful necropolis of the Mughal dynasty is the the fort complex.
DELHI

burial ground of various members of the ruling family The fortified palace complex (overlooking the massive

- amongst them Haji Begum and Dara Shikho, the brother expanse of his new capital Shajehanbad replacing the

and preferred heir by the Emperor Shahjehan to his old Mughal bastion of Agra) embraces the Salimgarh Fort

kingdom. But Dara was literally hounded to death by his (built by Sher Shah Suri in 1546) which was "inextricably

brother Aurangzeb, who also hastened his father's death by linked to the Red Fort in use and later history". Shahjehan's

imprisoning him at Agra Fort. There are many more graves fabulous self-contained palace was filled with a cavalcade

in the c o m p l e x - some of them dating to the times of the of sumptuous private apartments for the royals interlinked

British wresting power from the last Mughal Bahadur Shah by that wondrous cooling waterway- the Nahr-I-Behisht

Zafar II. The emperor took refuge within its precincts briefly (Stream of Paradise), private and public audience halls,

with three princes during the first war of Independence the hamaam, a vaulted shopping arcade, gardens and

(1857). Treated with great respect throughout its history barracks for soldiers. Noteworthy structures in this

Humayun's Tomb has managed to retain its original form massive regal citadel (started in 1838 and completed in

and purpose intact. 1648), are Emperor Aurangzeb's beautiful Pearl Mosque,

In close proximity to the tomb lie a scattering of ancient the Khas Mahal, the opulent Mumtaz Mahal (now

monuments-amongst them are the Barber's Tomb, Nila

Gumabd, Arab-ki-Sarai and Isa Khan's Tomb

RED FORT
A short distance from the banks of the Jamuna (Yamuna)

River where it stood (till the river changed its course)

Delhi's iconic and exceptionally well-preserved 17th century

Red Fort (Lai Quila) is an impressive and breathtaking

structure even today. The royal red sandstone residential

marvel of Mughal India's fifth and most dynamic emperor,

Shahjehan, was the seat of power for one of the most

exciting and significant periods of Mughal rule on many

fronts—politically, commercially and culturally. Centuries on

in 1947, it was from these very ramparts that the Indian flag

was first raised with the country shaking off the shackles of

British rule. Ever since, every year on Independence Day the

flag of India is raised on the ramparts of the Lahori Gate of

 07

converted into a museum), the Rang Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas

DELHI
(from where the emperor gave private audiences seated

on the legendary gem-encrusted Peacock T h r o n e - spirited

away along with many other treasures, by the Persian

warlord Nadir Shah during the sacking of Shajehanabad in

1739) and the Diwan-i-Am (the hall of public audiences).

A nightly Sound and Light Show now showcases vignettes

of its dynamic history to life.

Shahjehan was a vigorous and highly conscious proponent

of imperial architectural marvels, (apart for being an avid

collector of beautiful things), which he used to great effect

to project the aura of peerless majesty and unsurpassed

splendour - and to inspire awe amongst his subjects. The

Red Fort originally called the "Qila-i-Mubarak" (the blessed

fort) is considered to represent the pinnacle of Mughal

creativity at its most refined during Shahjehan's rule.

Though the palace follows the basic Islamic principles of

construction, the architectural lines of each Mughal pavilion

reflect the immaculate fusion of Persian,Timurid and Hindu

traditions. The "innovative planning and architectural style,

including the garden design" of the Red Fort were to later

have a deep and abiding impact on t h e " buildings and

gardens in Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra and further afield" .The Red

Fort represents "a culmination of architectural development

initiated in 1526 AD by the first Mughal Emperor". In the

complex too are remnants of the phase of British military

occupation which also saw the introduction of new buildings

and functions over the earlier Mughal structures. It has also

played a pivotal role "in the events which have had a critical

impact on its geo-cultural region" from the Mughal period

08
- t o India's independence from foreign rule in 1947.
DELHI
Bahadur Shah Zafar II was the last Mughal to inhabit the
Red Fort. The failed Uprising of 1 8 5 7 against British rule
saw the emperor's departure from the citadel. He returned
briefly to it as a prisoner of the British, was tried by them
and sent into exile to Burma in 1 8 5 8 where he spent his
final days.
QUTUB MINAR AND ITS MONUMENTS
Skirting the southern limits of Mehrauli , close to the
ancient site of Lai Kot - the first of the seven cities of
Delhi, established in 1060 by the Tomar Rajput ruler, Anang
Pal, the Qutub Complex embraces a cavalcade of historical
monuments, silent witness to the Eternal City's glorious past.
Today the site is one of the city's most prestigious World
Heritage Sites because it is "an outstanding example of
an architectural ensemble which illustrates (a) significant
stage(s) in human history".
The centrepiece of the complex is the beautifully
preserved 5-tiered Qutub Minar, said to be India's highest
brick tower at 72.5 m, (and a girth of 14.32 m at its base
tapering off to 2.75 m at its peak). The Qutub marks the
entry of Islam in India and is the site of the foundation of
first Muslim kingdom in north India. It was raised as a victory
tower in 1199 by QutubuddinAibak, the slave-general of the
raider from India's northern passes Muhammad of Ghurwho
defeated the Rajput Chauhans and captured their territories
of Lai Kot and Rai Pithora. The tower, cobbled together from
the rubble of demolished Hindu temples around Mehrauli,
was completed in 1202 by Aibak's son-in-law and successor
Shamsu'd-Din litutmish (1211-36) who added three more
tiers to the structure. Subsequent rulers of Delhi have also
left their mark with renovations and additions on the red and
buff sandstone tower embellished with Islamic and Nagari
inscriptions. Firoz Shah Tughluq added the two top stories
but he chose to build these in pristine white marble rather
than the red sandstone used on the other levels. Projected
balconies embrace the minar at each level.
Northeast of the Qutub lies the Qutb Quwwat-ul-lslam
Mosque constructed in 1192 by Aibak, from the rubble of
27 Hindu and Jain temples which he demolished. Dating to
the Delhi Sultanate period this is the earliest extant mosque
in India. Two years later Aibak added a five arched screen,
marked by calligraphic features from the sacred Islamic texts,
to shield the mosque. Aibak's mosque was subsequently
expanded by both litutmish and Aliauddin Khilji,
The Tomb of lltutmush, built in 1235 is also located
in the complex. It is a simple structure but is marked
extensively by Quranic inscriptions all around, leaving the
viewer with sense of a delicately ornamental facade. The
dome, which was raised at the time, has long collapsed,
because local artisans were not familiar with the technology
of constructing one over a square room.
The southern gateway of the mosque, the red sandstone
and intricately carved Alai-Darwaza (commissioned in
1 3 1 1 by Alauddin Khalji) is the masterpiece of Indo-
Muslim a r t - featuring Islamic prototypes of construction
and ornamentation. The local artisans clearly had the
building of the dome right this time round.The incomplete
Alai Minar (25m) was also the contribution of Allaudin, to
this ancient complex. He began the construction of the
Alai Minar to rival the Qutub. Khilji died before the work
on it progressed more than the first story. Another feature
which is a focal point in the Qutub complex is that marvel
of ancient meturllurgy, the 7.02m-high Iron Pillar dating
to the 4th-5th century Gupta period. The ancient pillar,
which was transferred here from some other location,
has withstood the onslaught of rain and shine over the
centuries and remains free of corrosion to date.
 09

Uttar Pradesh

PRADESH
UTTAR
TAJ MAHAL, AGRA The sumptuous yet tastefully restrained tomb (bounded

It is the poignant love story, and its dramatic symbolism of by four isolated minarets) lies atop two levels of platforms

an emperor's deep devotion to a beloved wife which draws - one of sandstone, and the one above it, a square platform

both kings and commoners to this flawless architectural paved with a checquer board pattern in black and white

marvel of pristine white marble and gem stones, by the right marble and a huge blue-veined white marble terrace.

bank of the holy Yamuna at Agra. The Taj Mahal's luminous Decorative elements were provided on an expansive scale

beauty in the moonlight-and even its steadfast magical with the use of exquisite Arabic and Persian calligraphy,

splendour under a blazing midday sun, are a magnet for pietra dura inlay work and relief carving both in the exteriors

visitors from around the globe, making it one of India's most and the interiors of the mausoleum. The heaven-touching

visited tourist sites. dome with its gold finial, alone is estimated to weigh over

Set in the most exquisite traditions of the garden-tomb, 12000 tons. Within the main octagonal chamber with its

Emperor Shahjehan's paean of love, built between 1 6 3 1 high vaulting domed ceiling were two beautifully adorned

and 1648 for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, is an embodiment, false sarcophagi set with precious stones and delectable

of the pinnacle of the Indo-lslamic architectural style, first inlay work. But the real graves of the emperor and his wife lie

seen in the architectural perfection of Humayun's Tomb in in a sealed chamber below these. Radiating from the tomb,

Delhi. Only the finest architects and the finest materials in perfect symmetry, is the classic four walled garden set out

were permitted to create Shahjena's fabulous monument in the traditional char bagh (quadripartite) p l a n - divided

of love which took 20,000 artisans 22 years to complete. into four squares by two raised cooling waterways, lined by

The flawless white marble was sourced from the quarries somber cypresses - evocative of the inspirational harmony,

of Makrana in Rajasthan, the precious gemstones (over 40 serenity and loveliness of the classical Persian 'Garden of

different kinds) of great value and rarity came from the Paradise'-a vision of heaven on earth.

mines of Golconda, Afghanistan, Ceylon, Russia, China,Tibet, The Taj is the face of India, one of the Seven Wonders Of

Arabia, Burma and Egypt. The World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is
10
"the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally
PRADESH
admired masterpieces of the world's heritage".
AGRA FORT, AGRA
The ancient stones of this handsome imperial fortress,
restored and renovated in 1565 by Mughal Emperor Akbar,
UTTAR
still ring with the poignant tale of an emperor's tears, as he
lay incarcerated in its confines by his own much loved but
perfidious son Aurangzeb. Across the weepingYamuna, stood
the glorious Taj Mahal, which held the mortal remains of his
beloved wife Mumtaz. All that grandeur and power came to
a sorry end for India's mightiest Mughal ruler Shahjehan,
a dispirited prisoner, who ended his years seeking comfort
from glimpses of the Taj.
Originally a brick fortification, Badalgarh, it was used by
the Delhi Sulltan Sikander Lodi (1487-1517) as his residence
(in his second capital) and later by his son Ibrahim Lodi
who was slain in the battlefield at Panipat by the Central
Asian raider Zahir ud-Din Mohammad Babur.The victorious
Babur seized the fort and its vast treasures and set about
establishing Mughal rule in India by going on to capture
Delhi as well. Agra became the base of Mughal power. On
Babur's death his son Humayun's was crowned emperor at
Agra's Red Fort in 1530. But for much of the early part of
his reign Humayun remained a fugitive and eventually on
his return from exile in Persia set up his capital Din-Panah,
in Delhi. It was his son Akbar who made Agra the Mughal
stronghold once more. He strengthened and restored the
old fortress with red sandstone walls of immense girth
mounted by double ramparts featuring forbidding bastions,
and four gateways, The whole structure was surrounded by
a deep moat. The entire process took 8 years to complete.
The Agra Fort was at the time India's most important
fortress, playing host to visitors across the empire as well
as many important ambassadors, dignitaries, merchants
and travellers from foreign shores, during the reigns of the
emperors Jehangir, Akbar, Shahjehan and Aurangzeb.
Within the rugged embrace of Agra's Red Fort, situated
close to the gardens of the Taj, lie a confection of many
fairy-tale palaces, amongst them the lovely the Jahangir
Palace and the Khas Mahal built by Shahjehan; audience
halls such as the Diwan-i-Khas and two exquisite mosques,
Shahajehan's Moti Masjid and Auranzeb's Nagina Masjid .
The Red Fort along with theTaj Mahal bears" an exceptional
and complementary testimony to a civilization which has
disappeared, that of the Mogul Emperors". The fortress
is also "one of the most obvious symbols of the Mughal
grandeur which asserted itself best under Akbar, Jahangir
and Shahjehan". Within it many buildings made of marble
and richly carved "showcase the zenith of an Indo-Muslim
art strongly marked by influences from Persia which had
already manifested itself in Timurid art".
FATEHPUR SIKRI
FatehpurSikri, the abandoned First City of the third emperor
of the Mughal dynasty in India—Jalaluddin Muhammad
Akbar, may lie in ruins, yet it is one of the most evocative
reminders of one of India's most energetic architectural
periods under the Mughal. Constructed mainly from red
sandstone, readily available locally, Sikri was the first
planned city of the Mughal and the first which featured
Mughal architecture-a harmonious blend of Persian,
Islamic and Indian influences on an elaborate scale.
Fatehpur Sikri lies about 40km from the old Mughal
THE TAJ MAHAL'S
LUMINOUS BEAUTY IN THE
MOONLIGHT-AND EVEN
ITS STEADFAST MAGICAL
SPLENDOUR UNDER A
BLAZING MIDDAY SUN, ARE
A MAGNET FOR VISITORS
12

on the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site list because

PRADESH

it "bears exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization

at the end of the 16th century. It offers a unique example

of architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed

between 1 5 7 1 and 1585. Its form and layout strongly

influenced the evolution of Indian town planning, notably

UTTAR

at Shahjehanabad (Old Delhi)", established by his grandson

the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan.

Within the embrace of this lost city lie a cluster of

monuments and temples (all the same architectural style)

including one of India's largest mosques, the Jama Masjid

featuring the tomb of the Sufi Saint revered by the king.

The ornamental pool - Anup Talo is surrounded by several

important structures -amongst them the unique Diwan-

i-Khas (where the king gave audiences to his subjects

collected on the balcony, attached by four richly carved

bridges to the throne room, held aloft on a central pillar), the

kings palace, the five-tiered Panch Mahal. Ankh Michauli

capital of Agra - ever since Akbar's grandfather, the and the Astrologer's Seat, in the south-west corner of the

Muslim warlord from Central Asia, Babur (a direct Pachisi Court. Birbal's palace features sloping horizontal

descendant of both Timur or Tamerlane, the founder of the chajjas (sunshades) with supporting brackets. Another

Timurid Empire, as well as Genghis Khan, founder of the spectacular feature at Sikri is the 53.63m high and 35 meters

Mongol Empire), established his stamp on Hindustan with wide Buland Darwaza (composed of red and buff sandstone

the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi at the legendary battle of Panipat with embellishments of elaborate carving and black and white

in the punishing summer of 1526. marble inlay work) was completed in 1575 to commemorate

Shahanshah Akbar-e-Azam or Akbar the Great (1556- Akbar's crashing victory over Gujarat in 1572.

1605) as the mighty ruler was called, commissioned Fatehpur Sikri served as Akbar's capital only from 1571-

the building of his new capital on the very site where the 15 85, before it was abandoned by the king to fight against

birth of his son Salim, the future Emperor Jahangir, was the pestilent Afghan tribes (who were always nipping at

predicted by the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti (1480- the heels of the Mughals) on the northwest borders of his

1572). The emperor supervised its construction personally kingdom. He decided to choose a new capital, Lahore, to

till its completion in 1573.This astonishing ruin, finds itself keep vigil and repulse any dangerous moves by them.
 13

Bihar

B I H A R
MAHABODHI TEMPLE, BODHGAYA m-high. The primary spots for reflection are the Mahabodhi

Located at Bodhgaya in Bihar's Gaya district the Mahabodhi Temple with the colossal golden statue of Buddha seated

Temple Complex is the world's premier Buddhist site, in the Bhumisparsa Mudra or the Earth-touching pose; the

attracting devotees from around the globe. Bodhgaya Vajrasan throne of polished sandstone , a gift from the

and its legendary temple is one of the four most important Emperor Ashoka (who was an avid convert to the faith) in

sacred places related to the life of Lord Buddha and his 3BCE; the Sacred Bodhi Tree (under which the Buddha sat

search for and attainment of enlightenment. The temple in deep meditation before his enlightenment which lies

site marks the place of Gautama Buddha's enlightenment west of the Mahabodhi Temple). The Animesh Lochana

under the Bodhi tree after meditating under it for 49 days - Chaitya (north east of the Temple, and the place where

making that leap of faith from being a Bodhisatva (mentor) the Buddha stood gazing upon the Bodhi tree in the second

to Lord Buddha, the Enlightened One. week in meditation); the Ratna Garaha (northwest of the

It was during the reign of the Gupta kings in the 7th temple and the place where the Buddha spent the fourth

century that original structure of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara week in meditation). A ray of six colours was said to have

Temple, established by the Emperor Ashoka, was completed. emanated from his body at the time and these colours

The temple fell into disuse in the 13th CE after the conquest have inspired the Buddhist flag; the Ajapala Nigrodha

of this region by the Delhi Sultanate. But around the 18th Tree (a pillar representing the tree which once stood here

century the pilgrim point was subject to several restorations, under which the Buddha spent the fifth week in meditation

renovations and repairs and in 1883, a very thorough and after his attainment of Enlightenment and delivered a

scientific renovation of the Temple was initiated under the discourse on the equality of mankind); the Muchhalinda

supervision of the Raj Archaeologist Sir A. Cunningham and Lake ( where the Buddha spent the sixth week in deep

J.D.M. Beglar and the Indian archaeologists Dr. Rajendra meditation after his Enlightenment and was protected by

Lai Mitra. In 1956 the Indian government expanded the the snake king Muchalinda of the lake, from a fierce storm)

premises of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara. and the Rajratna Tree (located south of the temple it is the

Countless pilgrims, of many faiths pay homage at the place where the Buddha meditated for a week and here he

ancient brick-lad shrine, spread over 4.8 hectares and 55 acquired the first two lay devotees Tapassu and Bhallika).
14
GOA

Goa
CHURCHES AND CONVENTS OF GOA when his remains were recovered three months later for a

It was during the 16th and 17th century that the most more permanent grave the body appeared to be remarkably

comprehensive group of churches and cathedrals were unaffected by decay. When the saint was buried in Goa's

established during Portuguese supremacy in Old (Velha basilica, a year later, he was miraculously still in the same

Goa). These structures are an excellent "illustration of the pristine condition. This led to his canonization, and ever

evangelization of Asia. These monuments feature influences since the basilica has been a magnet for Roman Catholics

of the spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and from home and abroad on the occasion of the feast of St.

Baroque art in all the countries of Asia where missions were Francis Xavier on the 3rd of December. The altars, gilded

established." Seven of these were inscribed as UNESCO World confections, are crafted on an elaborate scale to off-set the

Heritage Sites-these include the Church of Bom Jesus, Saint relative simplicity of the interiors of the church. The tomb

Catherine's Chapel, Church and Convent of Saint Francis of of the saint, made of jasper and marble, features a silver

Assisi.The Cathedral, Saint Gaetan and its seminary, Our Lady casket in which lies the body of the saint. This was a gift

of the Rosary, and Saint Augustine Tower. from Italy's Medici rulers.

Chief amongst these is the beautiful and iconic Basilica Se Cathedral is probably Asia's largest church. The

de Bom Jesus. This splendid Baroque structure, built by Renaissance-inspired cathedral's centerpiece is the riveting

the Jesuits in 1594, houses the mortal remains of Francis altar with its 6 huge panels featuring the life of St Catharine

Xavier considered to be the patron saint of Goa. Located of Alexandria. This World Heritage Site, which took 8 0 years

in the atmospheric environs of Old Goa the Basilica was to be completed was commissioned by Viceroy Redondo

South Asia's first church to be accorded the status of Minor with the intent of being "a grandiose church worthy of the

Basilica in 1946 by Pope Pius XII.The triple layered fagade wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominate the

of this spectacular church is a harmonious fusion of Doric, seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific." Only one of the two

Corinthian and Ionic architectural features. bell towers which used to flank the facade has survived the

The tomb of the saint, (who was sent off to Goa in 1542 by passage of time.The Church and Convent of St. Francis of

the Portuguese ruler Dom Jao III to bring the local populace Assisi features a carved door front which has been inspired

into the fold of Christianity) was built over ten years by a by nautical themes in the Portuguese Manueline style which

Florentine sculptor Giovanni Foggini. St Francis, who died en was a popular trend during the reign of King Dom Manuel

route to China, got a temporary burial on Sancian Island but who ruled Portugal from 1469 to 1521.

Gujarat & Rajasthan
CHAMPANER-PAVAGADH ARCAEOLOGICAL
PARK
About 50km from Vadodra in Gujarat, the ancient
Kalikamata Temple atop Pavagadh Hill has been a magnet
for pilgrims particularly during the Nawratri pujas. But if
you are interested in discovering "the only complete and
unchanged Islamic pre-Mughal city", the place to head for
is the Champaner -Pavagadh Archaeological Park spread
out at the foot of the hill . Time stands still at this vast
expanse of antiquity comprising a large scale of practically
"unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural
heritage properties cradled in an impressive landscape".
Amongst the structures populating the Park are a cluster
of prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites, a hill fortress of an early
Hindu capital, and the 16th century deserted city of
Mahmud Begharha and the living village, Champaner which
lies within the area of the historic town. Noteworthy of the
site is how its structures "represent a perfect blend of Hindu-
Moslem architecture, mainly in the Great Mosque (Jami
Masjid), which was a model for later mosque architecture
in India.This special style comes from the significant period
of regional sultanates".
JANTAR MANTAR, JAIPUR
On July 3 1 2010 the early- 18th century the Jantar Mantar
of Jaipur was declared an inscribed UNESCO World Heritage
15
R A J A S T H A N
&
G U J A R A T
Site, making it India's 28th World Heritage Site. Protected
under the aegis of the archaeological department of the
Rajasthan government, the Jantar Mantar was accorded this
prestigious recognition because" it is the most significant,
most comprehensive and the best preserved of India's
historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical
skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly
prince at the end of the Mughal period." Jantar Mantar
It provides "an outstanding testimony of the ultimate
culmination of the scientific and technical conceptions of
the great observatory devised in the medieval world." Set up
between 1724 and 1734 By Maharaja Jai Singh at his capital
Jaipur, the Jantar Mantar's 20 - o d d main fixed instruments
were used to calculate time, track stars' location, predict
eclipses and determine other celestial movements.
16
KARNATAKA

HAMPI supremacy with the five Muslim sultans of the Deccan. The

Silent witnesses to the great glory of one of ancient India's kingdom's two most illustrious rulers were Krishnaraya Deva

premier Hindu dynasties (which stood at the helm of the last (who ruled from 1 5 0 9 - 2 9 ) and Achyuta Raya who followed

mighty Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar, embracing most of him (from 1529 to 1 5 4 2 ) .

peninsular India at its zenith) Hampi, is now a stark world The star of the Hampi site is that showy piece of

of rock and granite boulder sprawling along the banks of architectural and creative extravagance - the Vithala

the Tungabhadra River. Within these atmospheric environs Temple complex . Begun in 1 5 1 3 the temple, raised to

lie the ruins of once palatial royal residences and minutely Lord Vishnu, was still not ready by the time the city was

carved Dravidian temples-lauded over by awe-struck foreign abandoned for the new capital of Penukonda in 1 5 6 5

travellers from Italy, Portugal and Arabia between the 14th after the defeat of the Hindu king by the Muslim Sultans.

and 16th centuries. The centerpiece of the complex is the lavishly carved stone

Located in Karnataka's Bellary district, one of the world's chariot, reminiscent of Konark's sun temple in Orissa.The 5 6

most striking ruins reflect the complete devastation and musical pillars and halls are the other features of interest.

abandonment of this once great capital by the non-stop The focal point of the old Virupaksha Temple, raised

pillaging for 6 months, by the Deccan Muslim Confederacy to the goddess Pampa (Parvati) and her consort Lord

in 1565. The austere majesty of Hampi "bears exceptional Shiva, is the 1 6 5 f t high gopura. Lord Vishnu in his avatar

testimony to the vanished civilization of the kingdom of as half man, half lion has been carved into single rock of

Vijayanagar", which reached its zenith under the golden massive proportions.This boulder is known as the Narsimha

rule of Krishna Deva Raya. H a m p i " offers an outstanding Monolith, and the work itself dates back to 1528.

example of a type of structure that illustrates a significant Other noteworthy landmarks in this open air museum

historical situation: t h a t of the kingdoms of South India are the temples of Ramachandra (1513) and Hazara Rama

which, menaced by the Muslims, were occasionally allied ( 1 5 2 0 ) and the fantastic complex of civil, princely or public

with the Portuguese of Goa". buildings including the elephant stables, Queen's Bath,

For 2 0 0 years Hampi was the fabulous capital of three Lotus Mahal, bazaars and markets.

generation of Hindu kings, who were to lock horns for

 17

at Pattadakal is the Temple of Virupaksha, commissioned

KARNATAKA
by Queen Lokamahadevi in c 7 4 0 to c o m m e m o r a t e her

husband King Vikramaditya li s victory over the southern

kings. Eight of these temples are raised to Lord Shiva. Closer

to the village which falls in the area lies another Shaivite

Temple - known as the Temple of Papanatha, alongwith a

Jain sanctuary. The northern influences (the Nagara or Indo-

Aryan style with traditional square-shaped shikharas with

curved edges) are best seen in the temples of Galaganatha

and of Kashi Vishveshvara, while the pure Dravidian flavour

is represented in the Sangameshvara, built between 6 9 6

and 733, and Mallikarjuna, built consecutively from 7 3 3 -

44. The Virupaksha Temple represents the harmonious

mixture of these styles which provided the inspiration for

this masterpiece of Chalukya art.

PAnADAKAL

The astonishing cluster of nine temples discovered at

Pattadakal along the Malaprabha River in Karnataka's

Bijaipur district, reflect the highest order of "an eclectic

art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya

dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural

forms from northern and southern India". Pattadakal, along

with the nearby capital cities of Aihole (considered the l a b '

of Chalukya architecture) about 2 2 k m away and Badami

( 1 0 k m ) provided a remarkable concentration of religious

monuments dating from the great dynasty of the Chalukya

(c. 5 4 3 - 7 5 7 ) .

The most impressive landmark of this rankandfileofshrines

18

Madhya Pradesh
P R A D E S H

KHAJURAHO GROUP OF MONUMENTS aspects of life in all its forms including sex, reflecting the

Renowned the world over for its fabulous ancient temples, beliefs of the society which supported t h e m . " In accordance

wrested from the cluster of the jungle, Khajuraho used to with ancient treaties on architecture, erotic depictions were
M A D H YA

be an important base for the Rajput kings, the Chandelas reserved for specific parts of the temples only. The rest of

of central India. The temple building at Khajuraho, by this the t e m p l e was profusely covered with other aspects of life,

dynasty, reached its zenith between 9 5 0 and 1050. Of secular and spiritual".The exquisitely detailed sculptures at

the original 85 temples sited here, only about 20 temples Khajuraho celebrate the relationship between a man and

remain scattered over an expanse of 6km; these "fall into woman in all its warmth and sensuous frankness, yet the

three distinct groups and belong to two different religions erotic elements are depicted in the most aesthetic form.

- Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance The distinction between Hinduism and Jainism are

between architecture and sculpture.TheTemple of Kandariya represented in various aspects at Khajuraho's ancient

is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among temples, but there are certain commonalities in structure

the greatest masterpieces of Indian art". which bind them together as hugely aesthetic and

P'/isii

Made of granite and sandstone, many of them have astonishing representations of a rich and inspiring era in

withstood the whims of the elements over the passage of India's religious architecture. The most important group

time. Hidden away for centuries in the jungles, till they were of monuments are clustered in the western z o n e - this is

discovered by the British during the Raj, the temple complex where you will find the Kandariya, Varaha, Lakshmana,

is "a unique artistic creation, as much for its highly original Matangeshwara, Mahadeva Chitragupta temples amongst

architecture as for the sculpted decor of a surprising quality others. A nightly Sound and Light Show showcases the

made up of a mythological repertory of numerous scenes of splendour of the temples and their origins. But the eastern

amusements of which not the least known are the scenes, zone is definitely worth a visit for the notable shrines of

susceptible to various interpretations, sacred or profane". Adinath, Shantinath and Parshvanath as well as the

The influence of theTantric elements is strongly visible in the Dulhadeo, Chaturbhuja and Ghantai temples.

richly sculpted temples which offer frank and uninhibited In the month of March the annual Khajuraho Dance
 19

Festival is a huge draw for the excellent performances by

P R A D E S H
top-flight Indian classical dancers and musicians, against

the backdrop of the temples.

BUDDHIST MONUMENTS AT SANCHI

Situated about 4 0 km from Bhopal state capital Madhya

M A D H Y A
Pradesh, the tiny village of Sanchi was an important Buddhist

hub dating back to the 2and 3rd BCE. Witness t o that

spiritually active era are a cluster of monuments ( a m o n g s t

them temples a n d moasteries, monolithic pillars a n d

palaces) that were pivotal to the activities of the Buddhist

community that resided in and around the region, Sanchi is

"the oldest Buddhist sanctuary In existence and was a major

Buddhist centre in India until the 12th CE. From the time that

the oldest preserved monument on the site (Asoka's column

with its projecting capital of lions inspired by Achaemenid

art) was erected, Sanchi's role as intermediary for the spread

of cultures and their peripheral arts throughout the Maurya

Empire, and later in India of the Sunga, Shatavahana, Kushan

and Gupta dynasties, was confirmed".

Held in the grip of the dense jungle the site - abandoned

for over 6 0 0 years, would surely have been lost to us but for

the persistence of Genera! Taylor who discovered it in 1 8 1 8

and brought considerable pressure to save it for posterity.

As the hill was cleared of the pelt of v e g e t a t i o n " the ruins

of about 5 0 monuments were uncovered, revealing one of

the most remarkable archaeological complexes in India".

Sanchi continues to be one of the most important Buddhist

site even in present-day India, as it played a pivotal role as

a Buddhist sanctuary to the period from the 3rd BCE tothe

1st century AD.

20

King Ashoka's wife came from the neighbouring town a long interaction between people and the landscape, as
P R A D E S H

of Vidhisha near Sanchi and when the emperor set up a demonstrated in the quantity and quality of its rock art".

Buddhist sanctuary here it became (in time) a principle Since the discovery of the five clusters byWakankar more

centre for Buddhist activities. The principle monument than 7 0 0 such shelters have been identified, of which 2 4 3

here is the Great Stupa commissioned by the emperor. are in the Bhimbetka group and 178 in the Lakha Juar

The core of the stupa was a massive mound-like structure group. The complex of five clusters of rock shelters around
M A D H YA

raised over several relics of Lord Buddha, which came Bhjimbetka Hill, 5 km south of Bhopal, in Raisen district

into his possession. Sumptuous porticoes with stone (in proximity to the Bhopal-Hoshangabad highway) has

railings surround the edifice. It is accessed by four densely been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because
*
they " display a profusion, richness and variety of mural
embellished gateways. Close by is the 12m stone edict
subjects and, as a collection, form one of the densest known
raised by Ashoka. The two other famous stupas date back
concentrations of rock art".
to the Sunga period (2nd century BC).Impressive too are

Temples 17 and 4 5 and Monastery 51.

ROCK SHELTERS OF BHIMBETKA The paintings are mostly executed in red and white

Deep in the heart of Central India in theVindhyan foothills pigements and sometimes with the inclusion of green and

lie an astonishing range of five clusters of painterly rock yellow with animal fat and leaf extract also being added to

shelters. Sandstone outcrops of humungous dimensions the paint. The still fresh-looking paintings depict scenes

and dense jungle conspired to hide this archaeological from daily life of the tribal communities living around the

treasure in natural rock shelters discovered by chance in area.They also depict the various aspects of livelihood of the

1 9 5 7 by renowned Indian archaeologist Dr. V.S Wakankar. communities which included hunting and honey collecting

Mention of these shelters goes back to 1888, when local in the copious jungles in this terrain. In abundance are

tribesmen spoke of t h e m as a Buddhist site. depictions of animals they were familiar w i t h - horse,

The paintings in the shelters appear to date as far back as elephant, tigers, bison, wild boar and crocodiles amongst

the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. them. There are also smatterings of symbols of rituals

"The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one and religion. The shelters depict paintings which evolved

villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to over seven different periods-Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic,

those represented in the rock paintings. Bhimbetka reflects Chalcolithic, Early Historic andMedieval
 21

M A H A R A S H T R A
Maharashtra
CHHATRAPATISHIVAJI TERMINUS, MUMBAI your attention on the astonishing stone dome, turrets,

(FORMERLY VICTORIA TERMINUS) pointed arches and eccentric ground plan you'll see a fine

This is no ordinary railway station, where your entire focus resemblance to traditional Indian palace architecture.This

is on catching that train, or where you wait garland in meeting of two great cultures forged a new style unique t o

hand t o greet a loved one. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Bombay, present-day Mumbai.

Terminus (earlier Victoria Terminus, or affectionately f o r

Mumbikars - VT) begs you t o stop and take a little time AJANTA CAVES
to admire her vintage beauty, for she " is an outstanding About 107 km from the town of Aurangabad and about

example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, 1 0 0 k m from another famous World Heritage Site - t h e

blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional Ellora Caves, Ajanta is home to a host of important painterly

architecture". Designed by the British architect F. W. Buddhist caves dating from t h e 2nd and 1st centuries

Stevens, this beautiful building came to be regarded as the B.C.Ajanta was t o acquire another cluster of brilliant

symbol of Bombay (now Mumbai) as the 'Gothic City' and cave paintings during the Gupta period (5th and 6th CE)

the major international mercantile port of India". It took w h e n " many more richly decorated caves were added t o

10 years t o build the terminal which was commissioned the original group. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta,

in 1878. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a "remarkable considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had

example of late 19th century railway architecture in t h e a considerable artistic influence in India and elsewhere,

British Commonwealth, characterized by Victorian Gothic extending in particular, to Java".

Revival and traditional Indian features, as well as its The skillful works found in the 3 0 Ajanta Caves, carved

advanced structural and technical solutions". If you focus out of the volcanic terrain of the forested ravines of the
22

Sahayadri Hills, bear "exceptional testimony to the ELLORA CAVES

MAHARASHTRA

evolution of Indian art, as well as to the determining role The Ellora Caves, located about 30 km from Aurangabad city

of the Buddhist community, intellectual and religious are an excellent example of the harmonious co-existence

foyers, schools and reception centres in the India of the of India's three great religions—Brahmanism, Buddhism and

Guptas and their immediate successors". The carvings Jainism. Out of this amazing liberal thinking has emerged

and sculptures in these caves represent "the beginning of a fabulous treasure trove of cave art. Not only do the

classical Indian art". c a v e s " bear witness to three great religions (Buddhism,

Excavation of the caves (rising above the gorge of the Brahmanism and Jainism) but they also illustrate the spirit

Waghora River) begun in 200 BCE were put on hold till of tolerance, characteristic of ancient India, which permitted

they were re-discovered by the British in 1819. Painted these three religions to establish their sanctuaries and their

and sculpted figures "of supple form and classic balance" communities in a single place, which thus served to reinforce

dominate the canvas of the cave walls. "The refined its universal value. The caves, with their uninterrupted

lightness of the decoration, the balance of the compositions, sequence from 600 to 1,000 monuments, bring to life again

the marvellous beauty of the feminine figures place the the civilization of ancient India".

paintings of Ajanta among the major achievements of the The Ellora site is home to 3 4 monasteries and temples,
Gupta and post-Gupta style and confer on them the ranking scattered over an expanse of over more than 2 km in the
of a masterpiece of universal pictorial art". volcanic rock face of a high cliff. Ellora showcases some

of Medieval India's finest qualities of refined a r t - f o u n d in

the delightful reliefs, sculptures and cave architecture you

will discover here.

The Buddhist caves (featuring several monasteries and

a single large temple-Cave 10 ) appear to be the oldest in
the complex and go back to the period between c. 600
and 800; the Brahmin group of caves (600 to 9 0 0 CE) are
notable for Cave 15 (Cavern of the Ten Avatars) and for
the largest single monolithic excavation in the world, the
massive Kailasha Temple (Cave 16); the Jain group
(featuring caves 30-34) were created by the Digambara
sect around 800-1000 CE.
 23

ELEPHANTA CAVES

MAHARASHTRA
The gaggle of tourist boats heading out of Mumbai into

the waters of the Arabian Sea have a tryst with Lord Shiva
on the Island of Elephanta about 10 km away. They are

also entering the precincts of a world where a cluster of

extraordinary caves will wing them back "to a civilization

that has disappeared. Here, Indian art has found one of

its most perfect expressions, particularly in the huge high

reliefs in the main cave".

Elephanta in fact contains an incredible collection of

rock art linked to the cult of Shiva, showcased in seven

cave shrines, each one densely decorated and embellished

with images from the Hindu pantheon and its world

of ancient myths. The works are said to date anything

between the 6th to the 8th century. Two groups of caves

mark the site - On the eastern front lies Stupa Hill with its

two caves, one of them incomplete. On the western side you

will find five rock-cut Hindu shrines.The principle cave here

showcases a stunning gallery of carvings dedicated to Lord

Shiva. Two huge carved panels featuring a rendition (Gupta-

period style) of Shiva Yogisvara and, Shiva Nataraja greet

the visitor at the entrance. In the sanctum is a Shivling.

Great high-reliefs of the Lord fill the canvas of the walls

of the mandapa. On the southern wall you will meet the

fabled three-headed bust of the Mahadeva. It is flanked by

two reliefs-Shiva asArdhanarisvara and Shiva receiving the

waters of the Ganges (Gangadhara). The 15 great reliefs

around sanctum of the lingam in the principle Elephanta

Cave "not only constitute one of the greatest examples of

Indian art but also one of the most important collections

for the cult of Shiva".

24
Orissa
ORISSA
SUN TEMPLE, KONARAK
Trading vessels from the Indies plying the waters of the Bay
of Bengal, would use the Black Pagoda (as Orissa's Sun
Temple was known to the ancient world) as a beacon to
reach the shores of India's eastern coast in safety. Made
of black granite and r£d sandstone the 13th century Sun
Temple is massive complex, standing astride the sands of
the coastal hamlet of Konarak. Conceived as a gigantic
chariot, set upon 2 4 wheels, driven by seven steeds across
the heavens by the Sun god Surya, the Konarak Temple
is fabulous vision of architectural accomplishment and
engineering skills of the ancient world. The building of the
temple is ascribed to King Narasimhadeva I (1236-1264
CE) of the Ganga dynasty around 1250, to celebrate his
victory over the Muslims. The temple which " marks the
apogee of the wave of foundations dedicated to the Sun
God Surya" is an "outstanding testimony to the 13th-century
kingdom of Orissa. It is directly and materially linked to
Brahmin beliefs, and forms the invaluable link in the history
of the diffusion of the cult of Surya, which originated in
Kashmir during the 8th century and finally reached the
shores of eastern India."
The temple, which fell into disuse in the 17th century after it
was desecrated during the reign of the Mughal Emperor
Jehangir, never really recovered its popularity as a site of
worship. And though over the passage of time, the elements
have wrought havoc upon it, there is still enough grandeur
in its plan to fill the beholder with awe. The majestic sweep
of the monumental structure is a fusion of an exuberant
architectural vision and engineering innovation.
Steeped in symbolism the Konarak temple is an enticing
window to Orissa's antiquity. The temple is so positioned
as to catch the rays of the first fingers of the rising sun
and bathe it in eternal glory with that illumination. The
lavishly sculptured two sets of 12 wheels (upon which
the monumental chariot sits) denote the 2 4 fortnights
of 12 months. The eight spokes in each wheel symbolize
the 8 segments (Prahar) of a day. The seven stone horses
symbolize the seven days of the week. The entire fagade of
the plinth of the temple is a profusion of carved splendour
with human figures as well as floral, animal and geometric
motifs populating every inch of space.
The Konarak Festival, a fabulous banquet of Indian
classical dance and music, is held annually (December)
against the backdrop of this fantastic temple site, one of
Orissa's most popular tourist attractions.

Tamil Nadu
GROUP OF MONUMENTS AT MAHABALIPURAM
The sound of tinkling anklets, the sweep of a beautiful
dance step, the excited clapping of a mesmerized
audience- riveting foil to the eternal crash of the waves
of the Bay of Bengal upon India's south eastern shores.The
annual month-long Dance Festival of Mahabalipuram is
in full swing and there couldn't be a better backdrop to
showcase some of India's most versatile classical dancers
and musicians, than the ancient temple of Mahabalipuram,
also known as the "Shore Temple".
Mahabalipuram or Mammmallapuram as its also known
as used to be an important trading hub as far back as the
5th century. Under Pallava rule (7-8th) this important hub
on India's legendary Coramandel Coast, edging the waters
of the Bay of Bengal in southeast India, was established
a sprawl of spiritual sanctuaries that offer visitors an
unforgettable experience of some of India's oldest examples
of Dravidian structures and sculpted rock panels.
"Mahabalipuram is pre-eminently testimony to the
Pallavas civilization of south-east India.The sanctuary, known
especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots),
mandapas (cave sanctuaries), and giant open-air reliefs, is
one of the major centres of the cult of Siva. The influence
25
NADU
T A M I L
of the sculptures of Mahabalipuram, characterized by the
softness and supple mass of their modelling, spread widely
(Cambodia, Annam, Java)".
Located in Kanchipuram district (famed for its exquisite
silks), 60km south of the Tamil Nadu state capital Chennai,
the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple Complex is a cavalcade
of rock-cut and monolithic monuments. It is a reference
point for some of the earliest known stages of "Dravidian
architecture wherein Buddhist elements of design are
prominently visible".
Of particular interest here are the "rathas (temples in the
form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-
air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and
Arjuna's Penace is a stunning relief sculpture (the world's
largest measuring 27m X 9m) depicting an important
episode from the Hindu epic The Mahabharata. The Shore
Temple, made of charcolite is believed to be one of seven
which once stood on the shoreline in the 6 0 0 AD.The temple
was raised to Lord Shiva.The nearby temple Sthala Shayana
Perumal, features uniquely - Lord Vishnu reclining on the
ground. A kilometer away, the cluster o f t h e P a n c h a Rathas
(unfinished) carved out of a single piece of granite in situ
features each chariot sculpted in a different style.
26

a n . exceptional testimony to the development of the

NADU

architecture and the ideology of the Chola Empire and

the Tamil civilization in southern India. They represent an

outstanding creative achievement in the architectural

T A M I L

conception of the pure form of the Dravida type of temple

(characterized by a pyramidal tower)".

The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur was the first to

showcase the stunning vision and architectural might of the

l l - 1 2 t h century Chola Temples.The two other primary Chola

temples-one at Gangaikondacholisvaram, also called

the Brihadisvara Temple, and the Airavatesvara Temple

established at Darasuram, were to reflect a development of

this astonishing initiative.

Thanjavur's Brihadisvara Temple was built with blocks of

granite between 1003 a n d l 0 1 0 by King Rajaraja (985-

1014) founder of the Chola Empire. Dedicated to Lord

Shiva the "Big Temple" features a cavalcade of halls and

GREAT LIVING CHOLATEMPLES vestibules approaching the main shrine - crowned with a

Set upon the stunning expanses of the Cauvery Delta in 13-storey pyramidal tower. This vimana (60.95 m high and

Tamil Nadu are a cavalcade of beautiful Hindu temples. But crowned with a bulb-shaped monolith weighing an estimated

it is atThanjavur, Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram 70 tonnes) is considered to be one of the architectural

that you will find some of the most splendid examples of masterpieces of India. The outer walls of the temple are

religious architecture of deep antiquity. Chief amongst these richly carved and its interiors covered by representations

are three excellent UNESCO World Heritage monuments. of the 108 poses of the Bharatanatyam. The astonishing

The exquisitely crafted temples are the works of the mighty murals (masterpieces of Chola art) here are witness to the

Chola kings of Tamil Nadu were one of south India's most range of the Cholas' aesthetic sensibilities in the art forms.

powerful and visionary ruling dynasties. Their kingdom The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram, built by Rajendra I,

stretched over all of south India and the neighbouring was completed in 1035. Its 53-m curving vimana (sanctum

islands. Tamil Nadu itself was the home of the ancient tower) is a contrast to the straight and severe tower at

Dravidian culture whose influence was so considerable in Thanjavur. Commissioned by Rajaraja II the Airavatesvara

the whole of south-east Asia. Temple at Darasuram features a 24-m vimana and a stone

"The Great Chola Temples of southern India are image of Shiva •

77Soldest uoingcity, in die world is waiting to
mesnieiize you. 'But visit Ctiunar beforetiiat,a
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will leant you awestruck. Tfienjoin tfie pilgrims
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one of India's tioliest cities, Varanasi, Visit itie-
'Kgstii "ViiAuianatfi temple tfiat contains tfie first
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explore tfie famous- Temples tf'mt constitute tfie
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