Question

The Pallava epoch witnessed a transition from rock-cut to free–standing temples. Explain.

Answer 1

Instructions:

This answer should be answered keeping in mind the following points:

• Rock cut temples built previously. Give example of Mandagapattu temple .
• Decline of cave architecture during 700 AD.
• Beginning of construction of structural temples. Give example of Shore temple.

Solution:

• During the Pallava epoch, the rock-cut temples were initially built by carving a rock to the required design and then rocks were cut to build temples.
• Mahendravarman, the Pallava king, developed the rock-cut architecture. Mandagapattu temple was the first rock-cut temple built by him. The rock-cut cave structure has two pillars in the front that hold it. All the cave temples have a simple sanctum cut on the rear side of the wall with a frontage-projecting mandapa (pavilion).
• However, by 700 AD, this cave architecture declined, and the construction of large structural temples began which provided a wider scope to the sculptor to use his skill. The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram was built by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II is one of the oldest structural temples. The structural temples were built using blocks of rock instead of a whole block as earlier.