8 + 9 - Pallava Art I+II Flashcards
Who founded the Pallava Dynasty?
King Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE), also known as King Mamalla.
Buddhist influences, but Hindu populationa
local Bhakti/devotion cults i
The Pallava Dynasty is notable for its contributions to art and architecture in South India.
- Southern Empire - Post Gupta period many conflicts
- major souther dynasty for Tamil identity until today
What is depicted in the ‘Descent of the Ganges’ or ‘Arjuna’s Penance’ at Mahabalipuram?
Scenes from the Mahabharata, featuring Arjuna and the Pandava brothers.
This rock relief is a significant example of Pallava art from the 7th century.
What is the significance of Gangadhara in Pallava art?
Represents Shiva as the bearer of the Ganges. on sculpted, monolithic rocks
with:
- 4 arms
- dwarfs
- gift gesture
- ascetic at his side
- auspicious figures
dynamic, naturalistic, individual faces
This depiction highlights the religious themes prevalent in Pallava sculptures.
What are the Pancharathas?
Five chariots with carvings of Draupadi, Arjuna, Bhima, and others from the Mahabharata.
These are monolithic rock-cut temples located at Mahabalipuram.
What is a Vimana in South Indian architecture?
Type of roof in Dravidian architecture, as seen in the Arjuna Ratha at Mahabalipuram.
Vimanas are prominent features of South Indian temples.
Who built the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram?
Narasimhavarman II (690-725 CE).
The Shore Temple is one of the oldest structural temples in South India.
Free stadning Architecture
What languages are used in Pallava inscriptions?
- Sanskrit, Tamil, and other vernacular languages.
- Inscriptions glorify the king and his donations
- Tamil royal bhakti
- close reation between image and inscription:
Image - story of god
Text: story of King
These inscriptions often include Prashasti and Meykkirtti, celebrating the kings’ achievements.
What is the Rajasimhesvara (Kailasanatha Temple) dedicated to?
Shiva, located in Kanchipuram, early 8th century.
This temple was built during the reign of Narasimhavarman II.
What is a Mandapa?
A pillared hall located in front of the cella (sanctuary) in Pallava temples.
classical medieval temple structure in Asia
circunambulation
Mandapas serve as gathering spaces for worshippers.
Gods must be cared for, Kind is the first worshipper
What does the Shiva-linga ‘Rajasimha Pallaveshvara’ represent?
Dedicated to the Pallava king, Narasimhavarman II.
This linga is an important aspect of the temple complex.
Which deities are depicted in Pallava art?
Durga (arms and weapons realte to all her victories
Brahma (creator)
Sarasvati (goddess of knowledge and Art)
These representations reflect the diversity of Hindu worship during the Pallava period.
What is Vishnu as Trivikrama?
Representations of Vishnu in the Trivikrama form.
This form depicts Vishnu’s cosmic stride and is significant in Hindu iconography.
What are the three forms (Murti) of Shiva?
Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhavamurti, Bhikshatanamurti.
Each form represents different aspects of Shiva’s nature and teachings.
hirarchy of incarnations
in wall reliefs for circunambulation
What does Shiva Dakshinamurti depict?
Shiva as a guru (benevolent teacher) imparting wisdom and initiation.
under Banyan tree
royal animals listen
similar to Buddhas teaching
This form emphasizes Shiva’s role as a teacher of knowledge.
What does Shiva Lingodbhavamurti represent?
Shiva in the form of a lingam, associated with Vishnu, Brahma, and Bhairava.
This form signifies the cosmic reality and the unity of creation.
Birth of Linga: passage from aniconic form to incarnation
only accessible after initiation
What does Shiva Bhikshatanamurti depict?
Shiva as a beggar revealing spiritual wisdom.
This form highlights the importance of humility in spiritual attainment.
the supreme beggra
a bodily revelation
a man among men
non ascetic body
What is the significance of the Dancing Shiva iconography?
Emergence of a fundamental iconography of Shiva as Nataraja, influencing later Chola bronze sculpture.
mandala of fire
Nataraja symbolizes the cosmic dance of creation and destruction.
