Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c24.26

c24.26

The other great building produced during the Chola ascendency, the temple of Gangaikoṇḍachōlapuram is a monument evidently erected in a spirit of emulation, to excel, in richness and grandeur its predecessor. (Plate LXVIII). It is attributed to Rajendra I (1018-33), and is all that remains of an extensive capital city, which this ruler built as a record of his power and his pride. Situated about seventeen miles from the town of Kumbakonam, this fine structure now stands in solitary state, except for the mud huts of a village straggling around it, as centuries ago the tide of life receded from these parts leaving it like a great stranded shell Nature with artistic hand has endeavoured to veil its abraded surfaces, not always for its structural good, with festoons of foliage, so that it appears as a lovely grey-green pile slumbering amidst the tangled verdure of a wide neglected garden. Built by a king for the purposes of his own religious ceremonial it has now become the occasional resort of the local idlers, and even its existence is known only to a few.