CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Brahma temple, Khajuraho

Brahmapurisvara temple, Pullamangai, Tamil NaduThe Brahmapurisvara temple at Pullamangai, of early years of Parantaka I (907-954 CE), is acknowledged as one of the most articulate example of early Chola architecture and sculpture. According to one of the inscriptions, this temple was known in the past as that of Tiru Alandurai Mahadevar. It is of special importance also because it carries many inscribed records of that king’s time under his title of Parakesari. The base mouldings and surface decoration are crisply chiselled and have mythological panels illustrating episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The central niches have elaborate figural arrangements in that the divinities are not by themselves but have elegant companion figures. They are Dakshinamurti, Shiva’s Lingodbhava form with Brahma and Vishnu acknowledging Shiva’s supremacy, and a sculpture of Brahma. The original family (parivara) shrines of the attendant deities have disappeared. By virtue of the temple's large size, its ornateness and the quality of the workmanship, the temple may have been a royal building. References: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1971, pp.46-49, J. Harle, 1958, M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky, 1963, pp.165-167.

An arcaded bridge is located in the middle of the fields in close proximity to Dakhni Sarai called the Dakhni Bridge. It is situated to the south of the village Mahlian Khan on Nakodar-Kapurthala Road, 12 km from Nakodar. Once it spanned the Dhauli-Veni River to the east of the Dakhni Sarai; it was the only approaching way to the sarai. The river which flew under the bridge has now shifted its course and moved closer to the sarai.The bridge is an arcaded structure with several arches and piers supporting the road above.Originally, it had five arched spans, the central one being the highest. Most of the arched openings are now sunk in the ground with only the springing points visible. The bridge is damaged in the center and therefore not functional. Constructed of brick, the bridge left unplastered and devoid of any ornamentation.

Bridge, Patarasi Kalan, Punjab

Bu-Ali Shah Qualandar's Dargah Complex comprises many structures like with several other structures including Bu Ali Shah Qalander ki Dargah Mubaraq Shah, Muqqarab Khan, Hali and Farukhidin Masjid, and space for pilgrims. Shaikh Sharaffuddin Abu Ali Qalandar was son of Salar Fakhruddin born in 1202. He lived in Karnal but spent most of his life in Panipat, where his father had migrated from Iran. At his death, sons of Alauddin Khilji, Khizr Khan and Shadi Khan erected his tomb. The Structure of Bu Ali Shah Qalander ki Dargah surrounding the grave is quite large and is accessible though an arcaded verandah from the south. Hali’s tomb is located within the courtyard on the south side. Hali was a famous poet and his original name was Khwaja Altaf Husaain. Muqqarab Khan was Jahangir’s noble and his tomb is located to the west of Bu Ali’s tomb. His father and grandfather were renowned surgeons. A screened verandah with flat ceiling is located on the south of his chamber that houses six graves, mainly of Muqarrab Khan’s family. Chamber is covered with bangaldar roof.

The Bua Hasan Talab is located to the east of town on Jhajjar-Delhi road near the group of 7 tombs. This tank was built in 1625 by Kalal Khan a mace bearer of Emperopr Jehangir. The tank has undergone many renovations and lost most of its original fabric. The tank is square in plan, approximately, 60 m x 70 m with steps from east, west and south side and ramp from the north side. The structure is constructed of brick and clad with stone at upper level. A small channel is located on the northeast corner and is believed to be the source of water for the tank.