Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c23.14

c23.14

Yet even with such vivid relics still in situ, it is difficult to reconcile this deserted area consisting of a bare rocky hill, and desolate sand dunes, with what was once a populous maritime centre. The drifting sands have covered up and obliterated most of its landmarks, while the warring elements of wind and tide have altered the contours of the coastline, so that its ancient appearance can only be imagined. But in its art connections alone this port had more than ordinary significance For there is little doubt that from Mamallapuram, in the middle of the first millennium, many deepladen argosies set forth, first with merchandise and then with emigrants, eventually to carry the light of Indian culture over the Indian Ocean into the various less enlightened countries of Hither Asia. Amidst the opalescent colouring of Java's volcanic ranges, and on the lush green plains of old Cambodia, in the course of time there grew up important schools of art and architecture derived from an Indian source That the origin of these developments is to be found in the Brahmanical productions of the Pallavas, and, before them in the stupas and monasteries erected by the Buddhists under the rule of the Andhras, is fairly clear. It is possible to identify in the Khmer sculptures at Angkor Thom and Angkor Vat, and in the endless bas-reliefs on the stupa-temple of Borobudur, the influence of the marble carved panels of Amaravati, while the architecture that this plastic art embellishes owes some of its character to the rock-cut monoliths of Mamallapuram. In addition therefore to providing the foundations of the Dravidian style of architecture in southern India, the vigorous creations of the Pallava craftsmen exercised considerable effect over a much wider field, and it was from this now deserted port that their art was probably conveyed to more distant lands.