Built by the kings of the Chola Empire, the Great Living Chola Temples are testimonies to the brilliant achievements of the Cholas in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting. The Chola empire is stretched over major parts of South India and the neighbouring islands. The empire was a site of immersive mercantile activities and facilitated trade and commerce with China, South- East Asia and the Middle- East.
The Cholas were at the height of their power from the latter half of the 9th century CE through the early 13th century CE. Under Rajaraja Chola I, Chola territories in South Asia extended beyond the Maldives to the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. Between 1010 and 1153 CE, Rajaraja’s successors continued the expansion, making the Chola Empire a military, economic and cultural power in South and South-East Asia. During this period, the Chola Navy helped expand the empire with Naval expeditions to the Palas of Pataliputra, along the Ganges and the Chola invasion of Srivijaya (present-day Indonesia) in 1025 CE, apart from sending repeated emissaries to China.
Great Living Chola Temples is a world heritage site designation given to three temple complexes built during the 11th and 12th centuries, namely the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.
The Brihadisvara temple, Thanjavur
The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur is one of the greatest achievements of the Chola architects. The temple was known as Dakshina Meru in the inscriptions. Construction was inaugurated by Rajaraja I around 1003-1004 CE. The most striking feature of the structure is its Vimana, which soars to a height of 59.82meters over the ground. The temple walls are embellished with expansive and exquisite mural paintings. It is also famous for the quality of its sculpture, as well as being the location that commissioned the brass Nataraja, Shiva as the lord of dance, in the 11th century.
The Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikondacholapuram
The Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholapuram in the Perambalur district was built in reverence of Shiva by Rajendra I (1012-1044 CE). The temple is an awe-inspiring gallery of exquisite sculptures from the Chola period. The bronzes of Bhogasakti and Subrahmanya are masterpieces of Chola metal icons. The temple is famous for its bronze sculptures, artwork on its walls, the depiction of Nandi and the scale of its tower.
The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram
The Airavatesvara temple at Tanjavur was built by the Chola king Rajaraja II (1143-1173 CE.). The temple is much smaller in size compared to the Brihadisvara temple at Tanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram. However, it is the highly ornate execution of the temple which makes Airavatesvara different from the two. The front mandapa known in the inscriptions as Rajagambhiran tirumandapam or the Royal Courtyard is unique as it was conceptualized as a chariot with wheels. The pillars of this mandapa are highly ornate. The elevation of all the units is elegant with sculptures dominating the architecture. A number of sculptures from this temple are considered masterpieces of Chola art. The temple is also known for the labelled miniature friezes, depicting the events related to the 63 Nayanars (Saiva saints).
