Chola Temples and Contemporary Reflections in Tamil Nadu
The Airavatesvara temple, located in Darasuram, Tamil Nadu, India, is a remarkable example of Chola architecture from the twelfth century, built during the reign of Rajaraja Chola II (1146–73 AD). Together with the Brihadeeswarar temple (constructed under Rajaraja Chola I, 985–1014 AD) and Gangaikonda Cholapuram (established by Rajendra Chola I, around 1014–44 AD), these edifices represent the might of the Chola dynasty from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries AD. The temple's sculptures illustrate narratives from Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam, commissioned by Rajaraja Chola II. The Chola dynasty also expanded its naval dominance to areas such as Malaysia and Thailand. Unlike the Taj Mahal, Chola temples embody themes of joy and vitality. This article, which combines personal storytelling with historical insight, appeared in the Winter 2016 edition of ArtReview Asia.
Key facts
- The Airavatesvara temple in Darasuram was built during the reign of Rajaraja Chola II (1146–73 ad).
- Chola architecture peaked between the ninth and thirteenth centuries ad, with temples like Brihadeeswarar at Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
- Sculptures at Darasuram depict scenes from Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam, commissioned by Rajaraja Chola II.
- The Chola empire extended to Southeast Asia, influencing regions like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
- The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- The author visited Darasuram with photographer Prabhu Kalidas and met a contemporary sculptor repurposing bronze sculptures.
- The article was published in the Winter 2016 issue of ArtReview Asia.
- Chola temples served as centers for arts like music, dance, and theater in Tamil life.
Entities
Artists
- Sekkizhar
- Rajaraja Chola I
- Rajendra Chola I
- Rajaraja Chola II
- Kulothunga Chola II
- Prabhu Kalidas
- Shah Jahan
- Mumtaz Mahal
- Ganga Devi
- Leonardo Da Vinci
Institutions
- ArtReview Asia
Locations
- Darasuram
- Thanjavur
- Tamil Nadu
- India
- Delhi
- Marina beach
- Chennai
- Kumbakonam
- Andamans
- Maldives
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Bangkok
- Louvre