{"id":9992,"date":"2025-12-21T12:47:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T07:17:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=9992"},"modified":"2025-12-23T18:23:49","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T12:53:49","slug":"pallava-art-and-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/pallava-art-and-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Pallava Art and Architecture, Style of Architecture, Painting, Music"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Pallava art and architecture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> thrived during the Pallava Dynasty's reign from 275 CE to 897 CE, laying the foundation for medieval South Indian architecture. Their architectural evolution occurred in four stages: the Mahendra style (rock-cut temples), Mamalla style (Mandapas and Rathas), Rajasimha style (structural temples), and Nandivarman style, culminating in the Dravida style. Notable monuments from this period include the Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, the Shore Temple, and the Pancha Rathas at Mahabalipuram.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In addition to architecture, the Pallavas were patrons of music, dance, painting, and literature. Their contributions included intricate sculptures, murals, and inscriptions in Sanskrit and Tamil. The Pallava dynasty played a vital role in shaping South Indian cultural and artistic heritage, influencing subsequent Chola architecture and South Indian art forms.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava Art and Architecture Pallava Dynasty<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Pallava dynasty was a prominent South Indian dynasty that ruled much of Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh between the 3rd and 9th centuries CE. Their capital was initially in Kanchipuram, which became one of the major cultural, religious, and artistic centers in South India under Pallava rule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/pallavas-of-kanchi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallavas of Kanchi<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, emerging in the 6th century, were a dominant South Indian dynasty. Narasimhavarman I (630-668 AD), known for his military victories, defeated Pulakesin II and developed Mahabalipuram into a prominent port city. His successor, Narasimhavarman II (695-722 AD), maintained peace, sent embassies to China, and made significant contributions to Pallava architecture, including constructing the Shore Temple and the Kailashnath Temple.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Pallavas had a centralized monarchy, dividing their kingdom into Kottams administered by royal officers, while autonomous village assemblies like the Sabha and Urar managed local governance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava society was religiously diverse, supporting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/buddhism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Buddhism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/jainism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jainism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Saivism, Vaishnavism, and the Bhakti movement. Their economy was agrarian, supplemented by trade, taxes, and the use of gold and silver coins.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The dynasty declined due to continuous wars with the Chalukyas and Pandyas, culminating in the defeat of Aparajitavarman by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/imperial-cholas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Imperial Chola<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> ruler.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava Art and Architecture Style of Architecture<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava period was a great era of temple building. Not only did the Pallavas introduce the art of excavating temples from the rock but also the Dravidian style of temple architecture began with the Pallava rule.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was a gradual evolution starting from the cave temples to <\/span><b>monolithic rathas <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">to structural temples that culminated in the Dravida style of temple architecture during the Chola period.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The gradual evolution of temple architecture under the Pallava dynasty can be seen in four stages:<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mahendravarman Style of Architecture<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The monuments constructed during the reign of Mahendravarman I (610-630 AD), known as the Mahendra group of temples, are rock-cut pillared halls carved into mountain faces. These structures reflect the influence of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/jain-art-and-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jain art and architecture<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, following the prototype of Jain temples of the time, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship and design elements characteristic of Jain architectural traditions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>New Temple Style<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Mahendra group of temples marked the emergence of a new style of rock-cut temple construction, moving away from traditional materials like bricks, iron, lime, and wood.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Mandapas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: These were the first temple types that saw the introduction of the apsidal garbhagriha, and beautifully carved <\/span><b>toranas <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">above doorways.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Dvarapalas: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The presence of <\/span><b>Dvarapalas <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">is a prominent feature and these images were depicted in their frontal aspect.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Sculptural Relief<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The relief of most Pallava sculptures tended to be shallower than in the Deccan because of the hardness of the stone which has kept ornament to a minimum.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Notable examples:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Cave temples of Mamallapuram, Mandagapattu, Pallavaram, Mamandur and Mahendravadi. Lalitankuresvara temple at the base of Rockfort, Tiruchirapalli.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-10025\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Mamandur-cave-temple.webp\" alt=\"Mamandur cave temple\" width=\"510\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Mamandur-cave-temple.webp 1200w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Mamandur-cave-temple-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mamalla Style of Temple Architecture<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The second group of rock-cut monuments belong to the <\/span><b>Mamalla group<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> from <\/span><b>630 to 668 AD<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Mahabalipuram <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(Mamallapuram)<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">was the centre of architecture during the time of <\/span><b>Narsimhavarman I.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Styles of temples:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In the Mamalla style of architecture, two styles of temples can be seen they are Mandapas and Rathas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mandapas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Mandapas<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">of the Mamalla style are more ornamental than the Mahendravarman style of Mandapas. The prominent feature of Mandapas is their pillars built on the heads of lions.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Famous Mandapas of the Mamalla style include the Varaha Mandapa and the Mahisasurmardini Mandapa, among others.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rathas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The second component was the free-standing monolithic shrines called \u2018Rathas\u2019 which were constructed alongside pillared halls. They were mostly built of granite stones.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of this style's best examples is the Pancha Pandava Rathas of Mahabalipuram.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Draupadi Ratha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the smallest ratha, like a small bracket. It is designed as a Hindu temple.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dharmaraja Ratha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is one of the best examples of a ratha designed like Vihara. It is the biggest among all the rathas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bhim Ratha and the Ganesha Ratha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are the best examples of the rathas built in the shape of a Chaitya.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sculpture: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the Sculptures, <\/span><b>Arjuna's Penance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at Mahabalipuram is notable.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-10029\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Panch-Rathas-Mahabalipuram.webp\" alt=\"Panch Rathas, Mahabalipuram\" width=\"680\" height=\"478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Panch-Rathas-Mahabalipuram.webp 940w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Panch-Rathas-Mahabalipuram-768x539.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rajasimha Style of Temple Architecture<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The structural phase started with the Rajsimha Style of Temple architecture. Free-standing temples were constructed with stone and mortar. The structural temples consist of two groups - the Rajasimha group (690-800 AD) and the Nandivarman group (800-900 AD).<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Structural Technique<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Stones were independently carved into square and rectangular shapes, then arranged to form walls and ceilings.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mandapa:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Muga Mandapa (pillared hall), Artha Mandapa (entrance hall), and Vimana (tower) above the walls, with a Vimana constructed above the walls.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sculptures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Walls and pillars adorned with sculptures in low or high relief.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Materials Used<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: This style represented a time of experimentation, as the temples utilized materials like bricks, wood, and stone.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Notable examples: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ishwariya Temple and Mukunda Temple.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fine representation of Pallava architecture.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kailasha Temple, Kanchi:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Showcases elements of the Dravida style with Gopuram, pillars, Mandapas, and Vimana, begun by Rajasimha and completed by Mahendravarman II.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-10030\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Shore-Temple-Mahabalipuram.webp\" alt=\"Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram\" width=\"503\" height=\"336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Shore-Temple-Mahabalipuram.webp 1999w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Shore-Temple-Mahabalipuram-768x513.webp 768w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Shore-Temple-Mahabalipuram-1536x1026.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nandivarman Style of Temple Architecture<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava architecture attained full maturity during the Nandivarman style of temple architecture period.\u00a0 These provided the basic model on which the later massive Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur and the temples of Gangaikonda Cholapuram were constructed by Cholas.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Nandivarman Group of Monuments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The best example is the Vaikuntaperumal Temple at Kanchipuram, built by Parameshwaravarman II and dedicated to the Bhagwat religion. The internal walls display paintings of war scenes, coronations, and Ashwamedha yagna.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-10031\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Vaikunthaperumal-Temple-Kanchipuram.webp\" alt=\"Vaikunthaperumal Temple, Kanchipuram\" width=\"548\" height=\"353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Vaikunthaperumal-Temple-Kanchipuram.webp 996w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Vaikunthaperumal-Temple-Kanchipuram-768x494.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 548px) 100vw, 548px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Decline of Pallava Architecture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: After the decline of the <\/span><b>Rajasimha style<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Pallava architecture saw a downturn. Later rulers could not build large monuments, resulting in smaller, less ornamented temples, lacking innovation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Examples of Later Temples<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Mukteshawara Temple and Matangeshwara Temple in Kanchi.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10026\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Mukteshwara-Temple.webp\" alt=\"Mukteshwara Temple\" width=\"810\" height=\"468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Mukteshwara-Temple.webp 810w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Mukteshwara-Temple-768x444.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava Art and Architecture Art<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallavas were great patrons of the art and their cultural contributions remain exemplary. Architecture and other forms of art like music, dance, sculptural art, and painting, developed under the patronage of the Pallavas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava Art and Architecture Sculpture<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><b>Pallava sculpture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is known for exquisite Mandapas, carved from a single rock, featuring intricate sculptures depicting Puranic stories. A notable example is the depiction of Goddess Durga\u2019s attack on Mahishasura at the Mahishasura Mardhini Mandapa.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Open Art Galleries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: A significant aspect of Pallava artistry, with open-air carvings on large rocks. For example, at <\/span><b>Mamallapuram<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, numerous miniature images are intricately carved on the wall of a large rock. Key depictions include:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fall of the River Ganga from Lord Shiva\u2019s head<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Arjuna\u2019s penance.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ascetics, deer, monkeys, and a meditative cat.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-10028\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Pallava-Sculpture-Arjunas-Penance.webp\" alt=\"Pallava Sculpture, Arjuna\u2019s Penance\" width=\"586\" height=\"296\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava Art and Architecture Paintings<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><b>Pallava paintings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> from this period include the beautiful Sittannavasal murals and the Dakshinchitra, a commentary compiled during the reign of Mahendravarman I, who held the title Chittirakkarapuli.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vaikunthaperumal temple paintings are probably dated from the 8th-9th centuries A.D.\u00a0 There are traces of paint everywhere, including on pillars and in the niches of the central tower. These Pallava paintings are specimens of the classical or <\/span><b>Ajanta style<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-10027\" src=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Pallava-painting-Kanchipuram.webp\" alt=\"Pallava painting, Kanchipuram\" width=\"610\" height=\"406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Pallava-painting-Kanchipuram.webp 1200w, https:\/\/d35xcwcl37xo08.cloudfront.net\/upsc-exam-wp-uploads\/2025\/04\/Pallava-painting-Kanchipuram-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava Art and Architecture Music and Dance<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>Mamandur and Kudumiyanmalai inscriptions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, attributed to the Pallavas, mention musical notes and instruments, showing the importance of music during their time. The <\/span><b>Alwars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><b>Nayanmars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> composed their hymns using musical notes, while instruments such as the yaazhi, <\/span><b>mridangam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and<\/span><b> murasu <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">gained prominence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Notably, Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I were music experts, and sculptures from this era depict various dancing postures.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some prosperous temples even maintained groups of dancers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Additionally, the popularization of musical instruments like the flute, and the dance form of <\/span><b>Bharatanatyam <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">at temples was made popular due to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/bhakti-movements-in-south-india\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bhakti movement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava Art and Architecture Literature<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallavas were great patrons of Sanskrit and Tamil languages. They played a crucial role in the evolution of Tamil script and promoted epigraphy as a medium of recording history and culture. Additionally, they were strong supporters of learning. Their capital, Kanchi, served as an esteemed centre of education that attracted students from across India and abroad.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Sanskrit literature:<\/b><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bharavi<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the great Sanskrit scholar and the author of <\/span><b>Kiratarjuniyam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> was the court poet of Pallava King Singhabahu or Singhavishnu.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dandin adorned the court of Narasimhavarman II and wrote <\/span><b>Kavyadharsha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mahendravaraman I composed the Sanskrit play <\/span><b>Mattavilasaprahasanam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tamil literature:<\/b>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bhakti saints (Nayanmars and Alwars) wrote hymns in Tamil (<\/span><b>Devaram <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">of Nayanmars and the <\/span><b>Nalayradivyaprabandam <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">of Alwars).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Perundevanar, patronized by Nandivarman II, translated the Mahabharata called <\/span><b>Bharathavenba <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">in Tamil.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Nandikkalambagam <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">is another important work but the author is unknown.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pallava Art and Architecture UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Term \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Description<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eripatti \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Taniyurs \u00a0 \u00a0 Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ghatikas\u00a0 \u00a0 Colleges are generally attached to the temples<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which of the pairs given above correctly matched? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2016)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) 1 and 2<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) 3 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) 2 and 3<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) 1 and 3<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2015)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (b)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q3:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Evaluate the nature of Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture. <\/span><b>(UPSC Mains 2021)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q4:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (<\/span><b>UPSC Mains 2020)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%;height: 200px\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 100%;text-align: center;height: 25px\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Other Related Posts<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/indus-valley-civilization-art-and-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Art and Architecture of IVC<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/gupta-art-and-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Gupta Art and Architecture<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/mauryan-art-and-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Mauryan Art and Architecture<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/pallava-art-and-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Pallava Art and Architecture<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/gandhara-school-of-art\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Gandhara School of Art<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/imperial-cholas-art-architecture-and-literature\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Imperial Cholas<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/mathura-school-of-art\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Mathura School of Art<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/indo-islamic-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Indo Islamic Architecture<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/amaravati-school-of-art\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Amaravati School of Art<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/delhi-sultanate-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Delhi Sultanate Architecture<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/stupas\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Stupas<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/the-mughal-art-and-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Mughal Art and Architecture<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 100%;text-align: center;height: 25px\" colspan=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/jain-art-and-architecture\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Jain Art and Architecture<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pallava art shaped medieval South Indian architecture (275-897 CE), leaving a lasting cultural legacy. Know about Pallava Art and Architecture, Style of Architecture, Painting, Music.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":10014,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,38],"tags":[1066,40,619],"class_list":{"0":"post-9992","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-art-culture-notes","8":"category-upsc-notes","9":"tag-pallava-art-and-architecture","10":"tag-quest","11":"tag-upsc-art-and-culture-notes"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9992","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9992"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9992\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19685,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9992\/revisions\/19685"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10014"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}