Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c23.44

c23.44

The last phase of the second group of buildings executed during the Pallava regime marks the end of the productions of this dynasty. It represents the works prepared during the rule of Nandivarman and his successors, and depicts the mode in practice in these parts during the ninth century. No buildings of any note were erected at this time, but there are a few small temples which show the direction of the movement. The principal examples are six in number as follows:—two temples at Conjeeveram, the Muktesvara and Matangesvara; the Vadamallisvara temple at Orgadam near Chingleput; the temple of Virattanesvara at Tiruttani near Arkonam; and the Parasuramesvara temple at Gudimallam near Renigunta railway junction. The fact that all the temples are of small size, and are mere reproductions of the previous manifestations are proofs that the might of this one-time powerful dynasty was declining. Its end began with its defeat by the Western Chalukyans in the middle of the eighth century. Among the examples of this late development, the older are the two temples at Conjeeveram, and are simply copies to a smaller scale of the style which prevailed in the previous reign, except that the building is entered through a two pillared portico which forms the facade The four remaining temples of the group, which appear to have been executed somewhat later, indicate that at this date another prototype found favour, as they are all based on the apsidal example represented by the Sahadeva ratha at Mamallapuram. All these buildings, by their lack of virility connote the diminishing power of the dynasty, and towards the end of the tenth century, production practically ceased. But even if the art appears to have died, it passed by no means into oblivion. Such a movement, although perhaps it has left no large works of genius, was at the same time remarkable for the spirit and vigour of its performance. These qualities had a far-reaching effect. For to the Pallavas is the credit of having kept burning brightly the torch, which, kindled by the Buddhists in the early centuries of the Christian era as seen at Amaravati, was bequeathed to these Simhavishnu “lion” kings Later, its flame glowed with renewed brilliance in the hands of the Cholas and subsequent rulers in Southern India, as their architectural undertakings eloquently testify. But perhaps its most potent influence was that which it transmitted beyond the seas, to the countries of Indonesia, where its effulgence, reflected in the vast monuments of those civilizations, shone with even greater splendour than in the land of its origin.