Art and Architecture of Tamil Nadu – Detailed Summary | Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science | Term 3 History

Art and Architecture of Tamil Nadu – Detailed Summary

Book: Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science

Term: Term 3

Subject: History

Unit: Unit 2

Lesson Name: Art and Architecture of Tamil Nadu

About the Lesson

“Art and Architecture of Tamil Nadu” is an important History lesson in the Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science book. This lesson explains the growth of temple architecture in Tamil Nadu from the Pallava period to the modern period.

Tamil Nadu is famous for temples, sculptures, paintings, mandapams, gopurams, vimanas, corridors, and rock-cut monuments. The Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers, Nayaks, and Sethupathis made great contributions to Tamil art and architecture.

Learning Objectives

To understand the evolution of temple architecture in South India.
To gain knowledge about the cultural heritage of Tamils.
To know the contribution of Pallavas to rock-cut and structural temples.
To learn about Pandya cave temples, sculptures, and paintings.
To understand early and later Chola architectural styles.
To learn the special features of Thanjavur Big Temple and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
To know the contribution of Vijayanagara and Nayak rulers to mandapam architecture.
To understand the importance of Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy temple corridors.

Detailed Summary of the Lesson

1. Introduction

Dravidian architecture is of indigenous origin. It developed gradually over many centuries.

In Tamil Nadu, temple architecture evolved through different stages. The early temples may have been built in wood, but they were destroyed by natural forces. The earliest surviving examples of Tamil Dravidian architecture are the rock-cut shrines of the 7th century.

2. Five Stages of Temple Architecture in Tamil Nadu

The evolution of temple architecture in Tamil Nadu took place in five important stages:

Pallava Epoch – A.D. 600 to 850
Early Chola Epoch – A.D. 850 to 1100
Later Chola Epoch – A.D. 1100 to 1350
Vijayanagara / Nayak Epoch – A.D. 1350 to 1600
Modern Epoch – After A.D. 1600

3. Pallava Epoch

The Pallava period was an important stage in the growth of Tamil temple architecture.

During this period, temple architecture moved from rock-cut temples to free-standing structural temples. The Pallavas created beautiful rock-cut caves, monolithic rathas, relief sculptures, and structural temples.

4. Mahendravarman I

Pallava king Mahendravarman I was a pioneer in rock-cut architecture.

Mandagapattu temple was the first rock-cut cave temple built by him. Rock-cut temples were made by carving into natural rocks.

5. Mandagapattu Temple

Mandagapattu temple is an important example of early Pallava rock-cut architecture.

It was the first rock-cut cave temple built by Mahendravarman. The cave structure had simple sanctums and pillars in the front.

6. Features of Pallava Cave Temples

They were cut into natural rocks.
They had simple sanctums at the rear side.
They had front mandapams or pavilions.
They had pillars in the front.
Dwarapalas or gatekeepers were carved on either side.
They showed the early stage of Dravidian temple architecture.

7. Structural Temples of Pallavas

After the rock-cut stage, the Pallavas built structural temples using blocks of stone.

Structural temples gave more freedom to sculptors. They could create larger shrines, walls, sculptures, and towers.

8. Shore Temple

The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is one of the most important Pallava temples.

It was built by Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha. It is also called the Seven Pagodas. It is considered the oldest structural temple in South India.

9. Mahabalipuram / Mamallapuram

Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram, is famous for Pallava art and architecture.

It contains rock-cut monuments, rathas, relief sculptures, and structural temples. The Mamallapuram monuments and temples were notified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

10. Pancha Pandava Rathas

Pancha Pandava Rathas are important monolithic monuments at Mahabalipuram.

They are named Draupadi Ratha, Dharmaraja Ratha, Bheema Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, and Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha.

11. Arjuna’s Penance

Arjuna’s Penance is a magnificent bas-relief carved on the face of a granite boulder at Mahabalipuram.

It is one of the finest examples of Pallava relief sculpture. It shows the artistic skill of Pallava sculptors.

12. Kailasanatha Temple

Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram was built by Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha.

It is an important example of Pallava structural temple architecture.

13. Vaikuntha Perumal Temple

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram was built by Nandivarman II.

It is another important structural temple of the Pallava period.

14. Pandya Temples in the Pallava Epoch

The Early Pandyas were contemporaries of the Pallavas.

Like the Pallavas, the Pandyas also built rock-cut and structural temples. But unlike the Pallavas, the Pandyas installed deities in the sanctums of their cave temples.

15. Important Pandya Cave Temples

More than fifty cave temples have been found in different parts of the Pandya kingdom.

Malaiyadikurichi
Anaimalai
Tiruparankundram
Trichirappalli
Kazhugumalai

16. Features of Pandya Cave Temples

The sanctum had installed deities.
Siva, Vishnu, and Brahma were worshipped.
The Siva linga was carved out of the mother rock.
The figure of Nandi was also carved out of rock.
Dwarapalas were placed on either side of the sanctum.
Bas-relief images of deities were carved on the walls.

17. Vettuvankoil

Vettuvankoil is an unfinished monolithic temple at Kazhugumalai.

It is hewn out of a huge boulder on four sides. Sculptures of Uma Maheswarar, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, and Brahma are found at the top of the temple.

18. Pandya Sculptures

Pandya sculptures were carved on the walls of cave temples and on temple pillars.

The sculptures had elaborate shoulders, slim bodies, beautiful ornaments, and high crowns. Tiruparankundram, Anaimalai, and Kazhugumalai have remarkable bas-relief images of many deities.

19. Pandya Paintings

The caves at Sittanavasal near Pudukkottai and Tirumalaipuram in Tirunelveli district have outstanding early Pandya paintings.

Sittanavasal was a residential cave of Jain monks. The lotus pond painting in Sittanavasal is famous for its beautiful colours and natural scenes.

20. Sittanavasal Paintings

Sittanavasal paintings are important examples of early Pandya art.

The paintings show lotus flowers, leaves, animals, elephants, buffaloes, swans, and a man plucking flowers. They show similarities with Ajanta paintings.

21. Early Chola Epoch

The Cholas came to prominence around A.D. 850 under Vijayalaya Chola.

The early Chola architecture followed the style of Sembian Mahadevi. The temple at Dadapuram near Tindivanam is an important example of the early Chola period.

22. Sembian Mahadevi Style

Early Chola architecture followed the Sembian Mahadevi style.

Temples with an increased number of devakoshta or niche figures are considered part of this style.

23. Later Chola Epoch

Chola architecture reached maturity during the Later Chola period.

The two magnificent temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram show the greatness of Chola architecture.

24. Thanjavur Big Temple

Thanjavur Big Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola.

It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was completed around A.D. 1009. It is one of the greatest examples of Chola architecture.

25. Special Features of Thanjavur Big Temple

It has a huge temple complex.
The vimana is about 216 feet high.
The vimana is called Dakshina Meru because of its massive height.
The huge Nandi statue is carved out of a single rock.
The temple shows the power, wealth, devotion, and engineering skill of the Cholas.

26. Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Gangaikonda Cholapuram served as the Chola capital for about 250 years.

The Brihadeeshwara temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built by Rajendra Chola. It is considered a worthy successor to the Thanjavur Big Temple.

27. Features of Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple

It was built by Rajendra Chola.
The temple height is about 55 metres.
The sanctum has two storeys.
The outer wall has projections, niches, and recesses.
Images of Shiva, Vishnu, and other gods are found in the niches.
The complex has shrines of Chandeeswarar, Ganesa, and Mahishasura Mardhini.

28. Darasuram

Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, is famous for the Iravatheswara Temple.

This temple was built by Rajaraja II. It is dedicated to Shiva as Iravatheswara. The temple is rich in architectural beauty and sculptural detail.

29. Iravatheswara Temple

The Iravatheswara Temple at Darasuram is an important Later Chola temple.

The Mahamandapam looks like a ratha because it has four wheels. The sanctum and pillars contain many miniature sculptures of mythological figures.

30. Later Pandya Architecture

The Later Pandyas also made significant contributions to South Indian art.

The cave temple at Pillayarpatti near Karaikudi is an important example. It belongs to the 13th century and is famous for its sculpture and inscription.

31. Pillayarpatti Temple

Pillayarpatti temple is famous for the image of Ganesha.

The Ganesha figure is referred to as Desivinayaga in the cave inscription. It has two arms, and the trunk turns to the right.

32. Vijayanagara Epoch

During the Vijayanagara period, a new form of temple construction became popular.

The most important contribution of this period was the mandapam or pavilion. These mandapams were used for public rituals and temple festivals.

33. Mandapam Architecture

Mandapams were pillared halls attached to temples.

During festivals, the images of gods were brought to these mandapams. The mandapams had monolithic pillars carved with horses, lions, gods, royal figures, animals, and floral designs.

34. Famous Vijayanagara and Nayak Mandapams

Kalyana Mandapam at Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram
Kalyana Mandapam at Jalagandeshwara Temple, Vellore
Pudumandapam at Madurai
1000-pillar mandapam of Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple
Rathi Mandapam at Tirukkurungudi
Vanamamalai Temple at Nanguneri

35. Nayak Architecture

Nayak architecture was known for decorative mandapams, ornamental pillars, life-size images, gopurams, prakaras, musical pillars, floral works, and stone windows.

Massive gopurams were constructed from four directions. Temple tanks were also attached to temples.

36. Musical Pillars

Musical pillars were a special feature of the Vijayanagara and Nayak period.

These pillars produced musical sounds when tapped. They show the advanced stone-working skill of the sculptors.

37. Horse and Yazhi Pillars

The pillars of the Nayak period were more decorative than earlier pillars.

Monolithic gigantic yazhi pillars and horse pillars with life-size portraits of mythological figures, royal family members, common people, animals, and floral designs were made.

38. Azhakiya Nambi Temple

Azhakiya Nambi Temple is situated at Tirukkurungudi.

It is an important example of Nayak-period relief sculpture.

39. Nellaiyappar Temple

Nellaiyappar Temple at Tirunelveli is an important temple associated with Pandya and Nayak architectural traditions.

The porch of Nellaiyappar Temple is mentioned as a notable example of Nayak-period temple art.

40. Modern Period

The modern period of Tamil Nadu temple architecture began after A.D. 1600.

During this period, corridors were given prominence. The Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram is the best example.

41. Sethupathis

The Sethupathis were feudatories of the Madurai Nayaks.

They ruled Ramanathapuram and contributed greatly to the architecture of Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram.

42. Ramanathaswamy Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram is famous for its long corridors.

The predominance of corridors is the striking feature of this temple. It is claimed to have the longest set of corridors in the world.

43. Corridors of Rameswaram Temple

The Ramanathaswamy Temple has three sets of corridors.

The outer corridor is supported by more than 1200 pillars. Many of these pillars have beautiful ornamental carvings.

44. Summary of Each Period

Each period of Tamil Nadu temple architecture had its own special feature.

Pallava period – rock-cut temples and sculptural rocks.
Early Chola period – grand vimanas.
Later Chola period – beautiful gopurams.
Vijayanagara / Nayak period – mandapams.
Modern period – corridors.

Central Idea of the Lesson

The central idea of the lesson is that Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of art and architecture. Temple architecture developed from simple rock-cut shrines to massive structural temples, vimanas, gopurams, mandapams, musical pillars, sculptures, paintings, and long corridors. The Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers, Nayaks, and Sethupathis made Tamil Nadu famous for its cultural heritage.

Evolution of Temple Architecture in Tamil Nadu

Period	Time	Special Feature
Pallava Epoch	A.D. 600 – 850	Rock-cut temples, structural temples, rathas, relief sculptures.
Early Chola Epoch	A.D. 850 – 1100	Grand vimanas and Sembian Mahadevi style.
Later Chola Epoch	A.D. 1100 – 1350	Great temples, beautiful gopurams, sculptural richness.
Vijayanagara / Nayak Epoch	A.D. 1350 – 1600	Mandapams, ornamental pillars, musical pillars, horse pillars.
Modern Epoch	After A.D. 1600	Long corridors, especially at Rameswaram.

Pallava Architecture – Important Points

Topic	Important Point
Rock-cut Architecture Pioneer	Mahendravarman I.
First Rock-cut Cave Temple	Mandagapattu Temple.
Oldest Structural Temple in South India	Shore Temple.
Shore Temple Built By	Narasimhavarman II / Rajasimha.
Shore Temple Also Called	Seven Pagodas.
Kailasanatha Temple Built By	Narasimhavarman II / Rajasimha.
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple Built By	Nandivarman II.
UNESCO Heritage Site	Mamallapuram monuments and temples, notified in 1984.

Pandya Architecture – Important Points

Topic	Important Point
Early Pandyas	Contemporaries of the Pallavas.
Important Cave Temples	Malaiyadikurichi, Anaimalai, Tiruparankundram, Trichirappalli, Kazhugumalai.
Vettuvankoil	Unfinished monolithic temple at Kazhugumalai.
Pandya Painting Centres	Sittanavasal and Tirumalaipuram.
Sittanavasal	Residential cave of Jain monks; famous for lotus pond painting.
Paintings Similar To	Ajanta paintings.
Later Pandya Example	Pillayarpatti cave temple near Karaikudi.

Chola Architecture – Important Points

Temple / Style	Important Point
Early Chola Style	Followed Sembian Mahadevi style.
Dadapuram Temple	Important early Chola temple near Tindivanam.
Thanjavur Big Temple	Built by Rajaraja Chola; dedicated to Shiva.
Thanjavur Big Temple Vimana	About 216 feet high; called Dakshina Meru.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram	Capital for about 250 years; temple built by Rajendra Chola.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple Height	About 55 metres.
Iravatheswara Temple	Located at Darasuram; built by Rajaraja II.
Darasuram Mahamandapam	Looks like a ratha with four wheels.

Vijayanagara and Nayak Architecture

Feature	Explanation
Mandapam	New important form of construction during Vijayanagara period.
Kalyana Mandapam	Found at Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple and Vellore Jalagandeshwara Temple.
Pudumandapam	Most celebrated mandapam in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.
1000-pillar Mandapam	Located in Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple.
Horse Pillars	Common decorative feature of Vijayanagara and Nayak architecture.
Musical Pillars	Peculiar feature of this period.
Stone Windows	Carved on the walls of sanctums and mandapams.

Modern Period Architecture

Topic	Important Point
Period	After A.D. 1600.
Special Feature	Corridors were given prominence.
Main Example	Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram.
Contributors	Sethupathis of Ramanathapuram.
Rameswaram Temple	Has one of the longest sets of corridors in the world.
Outer Corridor	Supported by more than 1200 pillars.

Important Temples and Places

Place / Temple	Importance
Mandagapattu	First rock-cut cave temple built by Mahendravarman.
Mahabalipuram / Mamallapuram	Famous for Shore Temple, Pancha Pandava Rathas, and Arjuna’s Penance.
Shore Temple	Oldest structural temple in South India; also called Seven Pagodas.
Kanchipuram	Famous for Kailasanatha Temple and Vaikuntha Perumal Temple.
Kazhugumalai	Famous for Vettuvankoil and Pandya bas-relief sculptures.
Sittanavasal	Famous for early Pandya paintings.
Thanjavur	Famous for Big Temple built by Rajaraja Chola.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram	Chola capital and temple built by Rajendra Chola.
Darasuram	Famous for Iravatheswara Temple built by Rajaraja II.
Pillayarpatti	Famous for Desivinayaga image.
Tirukkurungudi	Famous for Azhakiya Nambi Temple and Rathi Mandapam.
Madurai	Famous for Meenakshi Amman Temple and Pudumandapam.
Rameswaram	Famous for Ramanathaswamy Temple corridors.

Important Exam Points from the Lesson

Question Focus	Answer
Oldest structural temple in South India	Shore Temple.
Mamallapuram UNESCO World Heritage Site Year	1984.
Special feature of early Chola architecture	Vimanas.
Azhakiya Nambi Temple situated at	Tirukkurungudi.
First rock-cut cave temple	Mandagapattu Temple.
Early Chola architecture followed	Sembian Mahadevi style.
Most celebrated mandapam in Madurai	Pudumandapam.
Later Chola period known for	Beautiful gopurams.
Vijayanagara period unique feature	Mandapam.
Thanjavur Big Temple built by	Rajaraja Chola.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple built by	Rajendra Chola.
Iravatheswara Temple located at	Darasuram.
Iravatheswara Temple built by	Rajaraja II.
Ramanathaswamy Temple famous for	Long corridors.
Sethupathis contributed to	Ramanathaswamy Temple architecture.

Vocabulary to Remember

Architecture – art and science of designing buildings.
Dravidian Architecture – South Indian style of temple architecture.
Indigenous – native or local in origin.
Rock-cut Temple – temple made by cutting into natural rock.
Structural Temple – temple built using blocks of stone.
Sanctum – sacred inner room where the main deity is placed.
Mandapam – pillared hall or pavilion in a temple.
Vimana – tower above the sanctum.
Gopuram – gateway tower of a temple.
Prakara – enclosure around a temple.
Dwarapala – gatekeeper sculpture near the entrance.
Bas-relief – sculpture carved slightly raised from a wall surface.
Monolithic – made out of a single stone.
Hewn – cut and shaped from rock.
Boulder – very large rock.
Niche – hollow space in a wall for placing sculptures.
Devakoshta – niche figure in temple walls.
Dakshina Meru – name given to Thanjavur Big Temple’s tall vimana.
Corridor – long passage in a temple.
Fresco – wall painting technique.
Yazhi – mythical animal figure used in temple pillars.

TET / Exam Focus Areas

Very Important Focus: These are the most expected textbook-based areas from this lesson.

Write the five stages of temple architecture in Tamil Nadu.
Who was the pioneer of rock-cut architecture?
Which was the first rock-cut cave temple?
Which is the oldest structural temple in South India?
Who built the Shore Temple?
What are Pancha Pandava Rathas?
Write a note on Arjuna’s Penance.
What are the features of Pandya cave temples?
Write about Sittanavasal paintings.
What was the special feature of early Chola architecture?
Point out the special features of Thanjavur Big Temple.
Write a note on Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Write about Darasuram Iravatheswara Temple.
What was the unique feature of Vijayanagara architecture?
Why was temple art at its best during the Nayak period?
Who contributed to Ramanathaswamy temple architecture?
Why is Rameswaram Temple famous?

Short Answer Questions and Answers

1. What is Dravidian architecture?

Dravidian architecture is the South Indian style of architecture. It is of indigenous origin and developed gradually over time.

2. Name the five stages of temple architecture in Tamil Nadu.

The five stages are Pallava Epoch, Early Chola Epoch, Later Chola Epoch, Vijayanagara / Nayak Epoch, and Modern Epoch.

3. Who was the pioneer of rock-cut architecture?

Pallava king Mahendravarman I was the pioneer of rock-cut architecture.

4. Which was the first rock-cut cave temple?

Mandagapattu temple was the first rock-cut cave temple built by Mahendravarman.

5. Which is the oldest structural temple in South India?

Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is the oldest structural temple in South India.

6. Who built the Shore Temple?

Shore Temple was built by Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha.

7. What is another name of Shore Temple?

Shore Temple is also called Seven Pagodas.

8. In which year were Mamallapuram monuments notified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Mamallapuram monuments and temples were notified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

9. What are Pancha Pandava Rathas?

Pancha Pandava Rathas are monolithic rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram. They are named Draupadi, Dharmaraja, Bheema, Arjuna, and Nakula-Sahadeva Rathas.

10. What is Arjuna’s Penance?

Arjuna’s Penance is a magnificent bas-relief carved on a granite boulder at Mahabalipuram.

11. Name any two important Pandya cave temple centres.

Tiruparankundram and Kazhugumalai are two important Pandya cave temple centres.

12. What is Vettuvankoil?

Vettuvankoil is an unfinished monolithic temple at Kazhugumalai, hewn out of a huge boulder.

13. Where are early Pandya paintings found?

Early Pandya paintings are found at Sittanavasal near Pudukkottai and Tirumalaipuram in Tirunelveli district.

14. What is the famous painting at Sittanavasal?

The lotus pond painting is the famous painting at Sittanavasal.

15. What was the special feature of early Chola architecture?

The special feature of early Chola architecture was grand vimanas.

16. Whose style did early Chola architecture follow?

Early Chola architecture followed the style of Sembian Mahadevi.

17. Who built Thanjavur Big Temple?

Rajaraja Chola built Thanjavur Big Temple.

18. What are the special features of Thanjavur Big Temple?

Thanjavur Big Temple has a huge temple complex, a 216 feet high vimana called Dakshina Meru, and a massive Nandi statue carved out of a single rock.

19. Who built the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram?

Rajendra Chola built the Brihadeeshwara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

20. Where is Iravatheswara Temple located?

Iravatheswara Temple is located at Darasuram near Kumbakonam.

21. Who built Iravatheswara Temple?

Rajaraja II built Iravatheswara Temple at Darasuram.

22. What was the unique feature of Vijayanagara architecture?

The unique feature of Vijayanagara architecture was the mandapam or pillared hall.

23. What is Pudumandapam?

Pudumandapam is the most celebrated mandapam in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.

24. What were musical pillars?

Musical pillars were stone pillars that produced musical sounds when tapped. They were a special feature of the Vijayanagara and Nayak period.

25. Who contributed to Ramanathaswamy temple architecture?

The Sethupathis, as feudatories of Madurai Nayaks, contributed to Ramanathaswamy temple architecture.

26. Why is Ramanathaswamy Temple famous?

Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram is famous for its long corridors and beautifully carved pillars.

How to Write This in Exam

For a short answer, write the direct point first. For example, if the question asks “Which is the oldest structural temple in South India?”, write “Shore Temple is the oldest structural temple in South India.”

For a long answer, divide the answer into headings such as Pallava architecture, Pandya architecture, Early Chola, Later Chola, Vijayanagara-Nayak architecture, and Modern period corridors.

Sample Exam Answer

“Art and Architecture of Tamil Nadu” is an important History lesson in 7th Social Science. Dravidian architecture is of indigenous origin. Temple architecture in Tamil Nadu developed through five stages: Pallava Epoch, Early Chola Epoch, Later Chola Epoch, Vijayanagara / Nayak Epoch, and Modern Epoch.

The Pallava period witnessed a transition from rock-cut temples to structural temples. Mahendravarman I was the pioneer of rock-cut architecture, and Mandagapattu was the first rock-cut cave temple built by him. The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram was built by Narasimhavarman II and is considered the oldest structural temple in South India. The Pancha Pandava Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance are also famous examples of Pallava art.

The Pandyas built many cave temples. Important Pandya cave temples are found at Malaiyadikurichi, Anaimalai, Tiruparankundram, and Kazhugumalai. Vettuvankoil at Kazhugumalai is an unfinished monolithic temple. Sittanavasal and Tirumalaipuram are famous for early Pandya paintings. Sittanavasal paintings show lotus flowers, animals, birds, and natural scenes.

Early Chola architecture followed the style of Sembian Mahadevi and was known for grand vimanas. Later Chola architecture reached maturity in the temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Rajaraja Chola built Thanjavur Big Temple, which has a 216 feet high vimana called Dakshina Meru. Rajendra Chola built the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Rajaraja II built the Iravatheswara Temple at Darasuram.

During the Vijayanagara and Nayak period, mandapams became important. These mandapams had ornamental pillars, horse pillars, yazhi pillars, musical pillars, life-size images, floral works, and stone windows. Pudumandapam at Madurai is a famous example. In the modern period, corridors became prominent. Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram is famous for having one of the longest sets of corridors in the world. Thus, Tamil Nadu’s art and architecture show the cultural greatness of the Tamils.

One Mark Important Points

Dravidian Architecture – Indigenous origin
Five Stages – Pallava, Early Chola, Later Chola, Vijayanagara/Nayak, Modern
Pallava Epoch – A.D. 600 to 850
Early Chola Epoch – A.D. 850 to 1100
Later Chola Epoch – A.D. 1100 to 1350
Vijayanagara/Nayak Epoch – A.D. 1350 to 1600
Modern Epoch – After A.D. 1600
Rock-cut Architecture Pioneer – Mahendravarman I
First Rock-cut Cave Temple – Mandagapattu Temple
Oldest Structural Temple in South India – Shore Temple
Shore Temple Built By – Narasimhavarman II / Rajasimha
Shore Temple Also Called – Seven Pagodas
Mamallapuram UNESCO Year – 1984
Kailasanatha Temple Built By – Narasimhavarman II
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple Built By – Nandivarman II
Pancha Pandava Rathas – Monolithic monuments at Mahabalipuram
Arjuna’s Penance – Bas-relief at Mahabalipuram
Early Pandyas – Contemporaries of Pallavas
Vettuvankoil – Kazhugumalai
Sittanavasal – Famous for early Pandya paintings
Tirumalaipuram Paintings – Damaged condition
Early Chola Architecture – Sembian Mahadevi style
Special Feature of Early Chola – Vimanas
Thanjavur Big Temple Built By – Rajaraja Chola
Thanjavur Big Temple Vimana – 216 feet
Thanjavur Big Temple Vimana Called – Dakshina Meru
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple Built By – Rajendra Chola
Iravatheswara Temple – Darasuram
Iravatheswara Temple Built By – Rajaraja II
Azhakiya Nambi Temple – Tirukkurungudi
Pudumandapam – Madurai
Vijayanagara Unique Feature – Mandapam
Nayak Period Feature – Musical pillars
Ramanathaswamy Temple – Long corridors
Sethupathis Contributed To – Ramanathaswamy Temple architecture

Short Conclusion

“Art and Architecture of Tamil Nadu” teaches us about the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. The Pallavas developed rock-cut and structural temples. The Pandyas contributed cave temples, sculptures, and paintings. The Cholas built grand temples with magnificent vimanas and gopurams. The Vijayanagara and Nayak rulers developed mandapams, ornamental pillars, horse pillars, and musical pillars. In the modern period, corridors became important, especially in Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram. This lesson is important for exams because many direct questions can be asked from Mandagapattu, Shore Temple, Mamallapuram, Sittanavasal, Thanjavur Big Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Darasuram, Pudumandapam, musical pillars, and Rameswaram corridors.