Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.89

c2.89

(10) Kilmavilangai.—Another quaint little rock-cut monument which appears to belong to the early Pallava period is the shrine at Kilmavilangai in the Tindivanam taluk of the South Arcot district. It is cut in the northern face of a large isolated granite rock standing in a field just outside the village which is seven miles north of Tindivanam railway station. The shrine consists of a small cell five feet in height and three feet in width and faces north-east. It contains a crudely carved image of Vishnu carved on the back wall in high relief. This image is 4' 4" in height and has four arms. The left upper arm is raised holding a conch while the left lower hand rests on the hip. The right upper arm is raised with the hand holding a chakram and the right lower hand is shown in the abhaya or protecting pose. The conch and chakram are without flames of fire indicating that they were carved during the early period of Pallava history. The figure is represented wearing the usual lofty headdress and ornaments but with a curious short skirt or kilt which is unusual. The head, chest and hands have been anointed with oil by the villagers who work in the neighbouring field which gives these portions of the image an unpleasantly black and dirty appearance making a really good photograph impossible. The entrance is provided with narrow doorjambs hewn out of the rock. On the outer surface of each doorjamb is a crude representation in outline only and unfinished, of a standing doorkeeper. The latter appear to face the shrine and not the front. There are no inscriptions to guide one as to its origin, but there can be no doubt that it was excavated by the Pallavas somewhere about the 7th century. [Plate V (b).]