CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

The Brahadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholapuram was built for Shiva by Rajendra I (1012-1044 CE). Rajendra I chose this location to build a new a great capital city for the Chola Empire most probably during the first quarter of 11th century in order to commemorate his conquest over northern territories. He not only built a city, now in ruins and excavated partially, but also a great temple for Siva. However, there is no inscription of Rajendra himself. The earliest inscription is that of his son, Vira Rajendra (1063-1069 CE) that records the donations of his father. The Brahadisvara temple at Tanjavur had influenced this temple in many ways for example in the vast conception of the layout and massive proportion of the elevation. Moreover, the sanctum with its axial units, the Chandikesvara shrine, the cloister mandapa (hall) with the subsidiary shrines and a gopura (gateway) are similar to Tanjavur. However, the temple has its own unique features and some of the shortcomings in the design of the Brahadisvara at Tanjavur have been overcome. For example, there is a provision for erecting wooden scaffolding in the masonry of the sanctum, and the elevation is more ornate as compared to the Tanjavur temple. The temple has sculptures of exceptional quality. The sub-shrines of Chandesa and Amman were originally built according to the plan of Rajendra I, as well as the Simhakeni (the lion-well). Over time the sub-shrines of Thenkailasha, Ganesha and Durga were added. The authenticity of these additions is supported by the Agamic texts concerning renewal and reconstructions of temples in use.

References:

• M.W. Meister and M.A. Dhaky, 1963, pp.241-249
• UNESCO: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250

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.