[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [South Indian Bronzes: A Historical Survey of South Indian Sculpture with Iconographical Notes Based on Original Sources](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915) › c9.83.3 # South Indian Bronzes: A Historical Survey of South Indian Sculpture with Iconographical Notes Based on Original Sources c9.83.3 South Indian Bronzes: A Historical Survey of South Indian Sculpture with Iconographical Notes Based on Original Sources c9.83.3 - **Language:** English ### [c9.83.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c9.83.3) 1070-1073) show that these kings made some benefactions to the Saiva temple, there, which was known as \*Vanvanama-devisvaram Udaiyar\*. The first part of the name suggests that the temple must have been founded by or at least come into existence at the time of a queen called Vanavanmadevi, probably a Chola princess. A few short epigraphs found close to these Saiva temples refer to donors whose names show their connection with the South Indian towns Tiruppavanam,¹ Tiruvaiyaru and Chidambaram. After throwing off the Chola yoke in 1073 the Ceylonese retaliated by invading the Chola country during the reign of Raj Rajadhiraj II (1111-78). Led by their General Dandanath they captured and plundered Ramesvaram and marched upon Madura and burnt some villages in the Puttukkotai taluk. An inscription found in Arpakkam near Conjivaram gives a vivid picture of the dismay of the Cholas and describes the ravages of ' very wicked and vicious men,' ' all sinners against Siva' who had ' removed the sacred door of the temple at holy Ramesvaram, obstructed the worship and carried away all the temple treasures" (\*Tanjore District Gazetteer\*, page 32). A desecration of such an important Saivaite shrine could hardly be expected from any invaders with the slightest leaning for Saivaite worship.² It was obvious that in spite of a continued Chola occupation for nearly seventy years the Ceylonese had not developed much predilection for the Saiva religion. - [Previous: c9.83.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c9.83.2) - [Next: c9.83.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c9.83.4) - [Up: c9.83](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c9.83) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c9.83.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c9.83.3) · Pramāṇa