CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

The Koranganatha temple at Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu) stands in a built-in pit and is of modest proportions. This temple has a re-engraved inscription from the time of early Chola ruler Aditya I (871 - 907 CE), and four inscriptions of Chola Parantaka's time (907 - 954 CE). The fabric of the temple is not of Aditya's time but rather of rebuilding during Parantaka I's time (927 CE). The entire composition displays a return to earlier Pallava simplicity and marks the transitional period between the Pallava and Chola - the base is of stone and the upper levels are in brick. The now empty sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) originally contained a lingam. The pilasters embedded in the wall are adorned with beautiful sculptures and the arches have delicately carved frieze work. The crowning dome or sikhara is four-cornered and curvilinear with the same four niches, topped by chaitya arches. The shrine was desecrated at some later date by a monkey as is evident from its present name of Koranganatha - Lord of the Monkeys. References: M. Boothalingam, 1971, p.16 & pp. 29-37, K. Deva, 1995, p.224 and M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky 1963, p.170, V. Dehejia, 1990, p.22.

Kos Minar 19, Palwal

Kos Minars or distance pillars were raised to mark the distance travelled; the minars (pillars) were placed at intervals of a kos (a distance of approximately 4.17 km). These are plastered brick structures standing on square platform. Each minar soars from a tapering octagonal base which is separated from the upper circulatory portion by a molding. This kos minar surviving along the Agra-Lahore highway, in Faridabad was possibly erected during the 17th century when Mughal rulers vastly improved this important route. Although not individually especially impressive, they become so when we consider the large territory they once marked.

Kos Minars or distance pillars were raised to mark the distance travelled; the minars (pillars) were placed at intervals of a kos (a distance of approximately 4.17 km). These are plastered brick structures standing on square platform. Each minar soars from a tapering octagonal base which is separated from the upper circulatory portion by a molding. This kos minar survives in a good condition on the 17th century Agra - Lahore road between Nakodar and Mahlian Kalan.

Kos Minar, Punjab

Kothamangalam, Baroque Architecture, Kerala