Temples of Pudukkóttai district: a comprehensive and comparative study

Abstract

1. Introduction Pudukkóttai has a hoary past and is rich in arts right from the prehistoric period. But except for a few monument of their are little known. The present thesis makes an attempt to bring to light the comparative features of Art and Architecture of Pudukkóttai. Thesis consist five chapters. 2. Chapter One:- Topography of Pudukkóttai District The present form and stants of Pudukkóttai is a result of long and consistant evolution from Neo-lithic period through various Dynastices know as the khalabhras, Pallavas, Pándiyas, Cholas, Muttarayiars, Irrkkuvels, Vijayanagara, Náyáks, British rules and lastly Tondaimans. 3. Chapter Two:- Rock-Cut Cave Temples Rock-Cut Architecture is produced or hewned out of the hills or rocks. The cave temples found in Pudukkóttai are the typical pandya versons of pallava mahendra varman style. They resanable each other in plan and Desighn but show certain charteristic features of their own. These features are examplified in the cave Temples, and#346;ittannaváand#347;al, Gókarnesvar, Kudumiyánmalai, Thirumayam temples and Narttamalai. 4. Chapter Three:- Structural Temples newlineThe temples that are built with stones and polished granits are known as Structural temples. They are in three styles namely Nagara, Vesara and Dravida. All the structural Temples in Pudukkóttai are in Dravida styles. The features of structural temples are Garbhagriha, Vimana, Antarla, Mukhamandapam, Balipitha, etc. These are exemplished with their distinctiue marks in the temples such as Avudaiyarkóvil, Muvarkóvil, and#346;iva temple at Kaliyapatti. 5. Chapter Four:- Sculptures in Pudukkóttai Sculpture is called silpa Temples in Pudukkóttai are the treasure house of sculptures. There are many forms of a single deity is noticed in the same temple. The and#346;iva temples have various aspects of Lord and#346;iva while the Vaisnava temples hare the Idoles of Vishnu and his ten incarnation. Apart from the presiding deities there are innumrable idols of winer celection Alwars, Nayanmars.