CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Kirttistambha, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Kochi/Cochin (Mattancheri), Baroque Architecture, Kerala

Kochi/Cochin, Baroque Architecture, Kerala

Kokkurani, Baroque Architecture, Tamil Nadu

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.

A Mughal-period distance marker located south of the Grand Trunk Road near Kailash Mod, Sikandra (Maharshipuram Colony) in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, with Akbar’s Tomb situated to its east. Probably constructed in the 17th century CE, the octagonal structure is built of lakhori bricks with lime mortar and plaster and stands on a low square platform. Notably, it is crowned with a red sandstone amalaka-shaped finial. The monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (Agra Circle). A domed rectangular tomb of uncertain date and patronage stands immediately west of the kos minar, built of lakhori bricks with lime mortar and plaster, with arched niches on its eastern facade.