The Colas c36.106

c36.106

Fig. 86. Platform with a frieze of animals. In front of the Samaṇakuḍagu. Nārttāmalai, ‘Pudukkottah State.’ The portion of the frieze here shows three beautiful little elephants in interesting postures, two lions with *yāḷi*-like faces and a *yāḷi* with elephant trunk. The lion with looped-tail motif is found on the coins of the Viṣṇukuṇḍins and of the Pallavas, and on the seals of copper-plate grants of the former dynasty. Its occurrence here indicates a very early date for the platform. The high relief and the beautiful workmanship also support the early dating.