The Pallava dynasty ruled a portion of what is now Andhra Pradesh (early Pallavas) and Tamil Nadu (later Pallavas) between the third and ninth centuries CE. Pallava architecture represents the transition from rock-cut temples to stone-built temples. The earliest examples of Pallava art are rock-cut temples from the 7th century AD, while later examples are structural temples from the 8th and 9th centuries. The long-lasting monolithic temples known as rathas and mandapas demonstrate the skill of Pallava sculptors. The monolithic temples (for example, the five rathas) gave way to structural temples such as the Shore temple in Mamallapuram. In this article, we will discuss Pallava Architecture which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Cave Temples

• Pallava cave temples were primarily constructed by two monarchs, Mahendravarman I (600-630 CE) and his successor Narasimhavarman I. (630-668 CE).
• These are very simple in design, consisting of a massive mandapam (hall/pavilion/porch) and a cubical garbha-griha (sanctum sanctorum or innermost sanctuary wherein the image of principal deity is housed).
• The mandapam also served as an entrance made of pillars or pilasters.

Under Mahendravarman I

• Under Mahendravarman I, two cave temples were built:
  • Lakshitayatana at Mandagappattu
  • Lalitankura at Tiruchrapalli.
• According to an inscription, the Lakshitayatana temple was dedicated to the Hindu Trinity, but the dedication of Lalitankura is unknown.
• When compared to later temples, these are distinguished by their extremely simple decoration scheme. Two dvarapalas reliefs flank the entrance.
• The pillars or pilasters are also lightly ornamented with medallion motifs.

Under Narsimhavarman I

• The cave temples built by Narasimhavarma I are located in his new city, Mamallapuram (today's Mahabalipuram).
• The Varaha cave temple is magnificent and ornately decorated. A rectangular mandapam hall and a cubical shrine make up the structure.
• The shrine is empty, making it difficult to determine its dedication, but the hall contains beautiful reliefs of Varaha, Trivikrama (giant form of Vishnu's Vamana avatara), Gaja-Lakshmi (Lakshmi seated on lotus and flanked on both sides by an elephant), and Durga.
• Two pillars and pilasters form the entrance. Each pillar has a seated lion as the base, a round shaft, and a cushion-shaped abacus instead of plain pillars.
• Outside, near the entrance, we see for the first time a water-tank, which would become a trademark of the Dravida style.
• Trimurti cave is a less spectacular cave temple. There are only three cubical shrines built next to each other, with no mandapam.
• The central shrine honours Siva, the left honours Vishnu, and the right honours Brahma. Each shrine's doors feature a relief of two dvarapalas.
• A relief of Durga can also be found on the wall next to the Brahma shrine.
• The Yali (lion) cave is a one-of-a-kind cave associated with his reign. Saluvakuppam village is about 5 kilometres from Mamallapuram. The cave is shaped like a seated lion, with a face adorned with mini-lions.
• Its entrance, too, has a pillared porch with pillar bases shaped like seated lions. The reason for its creation is unknown.

Structural Temples

• Free-standing temples made of stone blocks or bricks first appeared during the reign of Narasimhavarman II (700-728 CE). The best examples are:
  • Shore temple in Mamallapuram
  • Kailashanatha temple in Kanchipuram
• These temples added a new dimension to the architectural scheme. They were constructed within a walled complex, which is a common feature of the Dravida style.

Shore Temple at Mamallapuram

• The name of Mamallapuram's Shore temple comes from the fact that it overlooks an ancient port. Only the western portion of the structure is visible today because the rest is buried beneath sand.
• The temple has three shrines, two of which are dedicated to Siva and one to Vishnu. The Vishnu shrine is the oldest, and the Siva shrine is located in front and back of it. The roof of the Vishnu shrine is flat, whereas the roofs of the two Siva shrines are pyramidal.
• A circumambulatory passage is provided for each shrine. There may have been other minor shrines, halls, and a tank for ritual ablution based on ruins in the area.
• A massive rectangular enclosure surrounds the entire complex, with a gopuram (gateway) on the west.

Kailashanatha temple at Kanchipuram

• Kanchipuram is home to the Rajasimheshavara or Kailashanatha Temple. The Shore Temple, like Sculpture and Architecture, is housed within a rectangular enclosure.
• The main shrine is square in shape and houses a siva-linga. It has a circumambulatory passage. The roof is pyramidal in shape and topped with a stupika (top most part of a Hindu temple).
• It is adorned with barrel-vaulted structures. The main shrine is surrounded by nine smaller shrines.
• On its east side, a separate mandapam was built for the congregation of devotees. Later, the two structures were linked by another pillared hall known as antarala.

Pallava Relief Sculpture

• The Pallavas developed sculptural art primarily in the form of reliefs. Many of these reliefs were used to decorate temples, depicting deities and mythological stories about them.
• Dvarapalas, seated lions, and dwarves are also depicted alongside them. Pallava style is distinguished by the slenderness of the figures and their highly animated appearance.
• Huntington attributes this to the post-Mauryan Amravati school of art. The figures are intricately carved and well spaced, giving the impression of a three-dimensional image.
• The scale of these images is what makes them unique. Different scales were used for the characters in most Indian schools to emphasise the centrality of the main figure.
• As a result, in sculptures depicting the Buddha, the figure of the Buddha was enormous, while other figures such as dwarves, attendants, and so on were smaller.
• However, in Pallava reliefs, all figures have the same scale. The main figure was highlighted by being placed in the centre and on a throne or pedestal.

Conclusion

During this time, Pallava architecture reached maturity and served as the foundation for the massive Chola Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and other notable architectural works. The Pallava reign is the beginning of the Dravidian architectural style.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is the most significant feature of Pallava architecture?

A) Stupa architecture
B) Rock-cut temples
C) Buddhist monasteries
D) Wood and mud structures

2. The Shore Temple is located in which city of India?

A) Kanchipuram
B) Mahabalipuram
C) Chennai
D) Hyderabad

3. Which Pallava ruler is credited with the construction of the Shore Temple?

A) Rajendra Chola
B) Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)
C) Mahendravarman I
D) Kanchipuram Chola

4. What architectural feature is most closely associated with Pallava temples?

A) Domes
B) Flat roofs
C) Rock-cut caves
D) Gopurams (gateway towers)

5. The Kailasanatha Temple, one of the earliest free-standing stone temples, was constructed by which Pallava ruler?

A) Mahendravarman I
B) Narasimhavarman I
C) Rajendra Chola
D) Narasimhavarman II

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the significance of Pallava architecture in the development of South Indian temple architecture.

Answer: Pallava architecture holds immense significance in the development of South Indian temple architecture, as it marks the transition from early rock-cut temples to monumental free-standing stone temples. The Pallavas pioneered the construction of rock-cut caves, such as those at Mahabalipuram, which set the foundation for the architectural style later perfected by the Cholas. The Kailasanatha temple, constructed by Mahendravarman I, is one of the earliest examples of a free-standing stone temple and became a model for later architectural achievements. The Pallava period also saw the development of elaborate stone carvings and temple complexes that would influence the design and construction of temples across South India in subsequent centuries.

Q2: How did the Pallava dynasty contribute to the cultural exchange between India and Southeast Asia?

Answer: The Pallava dynasty played a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange between India and Southeast Asia, particularly through their maritime trade networks. The Pallavas had extensive contacts with Southeast Asia, and their influence can be seen in the temple architecture of regions such as Cambodia and Indonesia. The Pallava style of architecture, characterized by towering temples, intricate carvings, and rock-cut structures, had a profound impact on Southeast Asian architecture. The transmission of art, religion, and culture through the Pallava Empire helped shape the religious and architectural landscape of Southeast Asia, notably influencing the construction of the famous Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.

Q3: Discuss the artistic contributions of Pallava architecture and its influence on later Indian art forms.

Answer: Pallava architecture is noted for its artistic contributions, particularly in the fields of temple design, sculpture, and iconography. The use of granite in the construction of temples, along with the development of intricately carved stone reliefs, became defining features of Pallava art. Temples such as the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and the Kailasanatha Temple are notable for their sculptural details and symbolic representations. The Pallava dynasty's art also influenced the development of later art forms, especially during the Chola period, where the Dravidian style evolved, and in the construction of elaborate temple complexes. The influence of Pallava architecture can be seen in the artistic traditions of South India, particularly in temple sculptures, murals, and iconography, which continue to play a significant role in Indian art.

Previous Year Questions on Pallava Architecture

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following is an important architectural contribution of the Pallava dynasty?

A) Brihadeeswarar Temple
B) Kailasanatha Temple
C) Red Fort
D) Qutub Minar

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram, built by Mahendravarman I, is one of the important contributions of the Pallava dynasty to Indian temple architecture.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Discuss the significance of the Pallava architectural style in the context of South Indian temple construction.

Answer: The Pallava architectural style is significant in the context of South Indian temple construction as it laid the foundation for the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The transition from rock-cut to free-standing stone temples, as seen in the Kailasanatha Temple, marked a milestone in temple design. The Pallava period also saw the development of intricate stone carvings and sculptures that became integral to later temple art. The influence of Pallava architecture can be seen in the grand temples constructed during the Chola and Vijayanagara periods, which continued the architectural traditions established by the Pallavas.