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VOL. 11, ISSUE 5 (2025)
Architectural innovation in South India: The rock-cut monuments of the Pallavas - A historical study
Authors
M Thangaraja, Dr. M Josephraj, Dr. R Selvaraju
Abstract
The Pallava dynasty (sixth, ninth centuries CE) ushered in a formative
era of South Indian temple architecture that profoundly shaped the Dravidian
style. Through an integrated archaeological and art-historical analysis, this
paper examines the genesis, stylistic evolution, and symbolic meaning of
Pallava rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, and allied sites. The
study traces the transition from the experimental cave sanctuaries of
Mahendravarman I to the sophisticated monolithic and structural temples of
Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) and Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha). It situates the
Pallava corpus within the wider socio-religious and political context of early
medieval Tamil Nadu, emphasizing how royal devotion, technological innovation,
and aesthetic vision converged to produce a lasting architectural paradigm. The
analysis further highlights the enduring legacy of Pallava design principles on
Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara art traditions.
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Pages:169-172
How to cite this article:
M Thangaraja, Dr. M Josephraj, Dr. R Selvaraju "Architectural innovation in South India: The rock-cut monuments of the Pallavas - A historical study". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 11, Issue 5, 2025, Pages 169-172
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