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“[The Prehistoric Art of Bhimbetka] belongs to a stage of cultural evolution when the ancestors of all people in our country were leading a hunting-gathering way of life.
– V.N. Mishra
an Indian archaeologist in his paper ‘The prehistoric rock art of Bhimbetka
HoysaleshwaraTemple located in the village of Halebidu in Hassan district, Karnataka, is a masterpiece of 12th-century Hoysala architecture. Commissioned in 1160 CE by King Vishnuvardhana and executed under the supervision of his commander Ketamalla, the temple stands on the banks of the vast artificial lake Dwarasamudra, the site of the Hoysala capital.
The temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, celebrated for its architectural brilliance and detailed sculptural narratives.
Hoysala Dynasty
10th-14th CE
The Hoysalas were a prominent South Indian dynasty of Kannada origin that ruled large parts of present-day Karnataka between the 10th and 14th centuries CE. Originally feudatories of the Western Chalukyas, they rose to prominence under King Vishnuvardhana in the early 12th century
The Imperial Cholas: Their Kings and Achievements
The Cholas were among the most powerful dynasties in South Indian history, ruling for over four centuries.
Their reign, particularly from the 9th to the 13th century, saw remarkable achievements in administration, military conquests, temple architecture, literature, and maritime trade.
Check out the
other Chola kings
Rajendra Chola I, son of Rajaraja Chola I, was one of the greatest kings of the Chola dynasty. His rule marked the zenith of Chola power and territorial expansion. His key achievements include:
Northern Expeditions: He led campaigns up to the Ganges River, defeating the Pala dynasty of Bengal. To commemorate this feat, he assumed the title ‘Gangaikonda Chola’ and built the new capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Naval Supremacy: His fleet dominated the Bay of Bengal, leading successful conquests in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Srivijaya (modern-day Indonesia and Malaysia).
Rajendra in Battle, Kolar
Mid-10th-century inscriptions from Marale trace their origins, with early records mentioning a battle between Arakella Poyṣala-Maruga and Śīrivur Anniga—marking the first bold strokes of Hoysala ambition.
From warriors in the shadows to empire builders, the Hoysalas, under Viṣṇuvardhana, carved their legacy in both stone and conquest.
Capital of hoyasa
Inscription from
182 A.D. at the Akkana Basadi in
Shravanebelagola
Trivia
AMARASILPI JAKKANNA
This Telugu movie showcasing the Hoysala sculptors is a must watch for those who want to get a holistic view of the Hoysala era.
Legend has it…
A local legend surrounds the origin of the Hoysalas and their emblem – the image of a man fighting a lion. According to folklore, a brave young man named Sala was accompanying a Jain saint named Sudatta Muni near the temple town of Sosevur (modern Angadi), when suddenly a lion attacked. On the saint’s command—“Hoy Sala!” (“Strike, Sala!”)—the young warrior fought and killed the lion. This heroic act earned him not only fame but also the foundation of a dynasty that bore his name.
In Halebidu, people still narrate tales of how divine dreams inspired the temple’s sculptors, and that the intricate carvings came from celestial visions. It is said that the temple was built not just with stone, but with devotion and dreams etched into every wall.
Know the Historian
John Faithfull Fleet (1847-1917), an English civil servant turned eminent historian and epigraphist, played a pivotal role in attracting global attention to the Hoysala temples with his widely red book ‘The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency’ in 1882.
This influential book garnered widespread acclaim, with even Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States, drawing inspiration from it to visit the Hoysala temples.
In fact, she went on to document her experiences and insights in her own 1954 book ‘India and the Awakening East’.
For the Serious Reader
Nagaswamy, R. 2010. Brhadisvara Temple: Form and Meaning. New Delhi: Aryan Books International.
Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. 1958. A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar. London: Oxford University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find
Vidya, Dehejia. 1990. Art of the Imperial Cholas. New York: Columbia University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find
The Brihadishwara Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola I, is an architectural masterpiece that reflects the evolution of Chola temple design. While inspired by the Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur, this temple incorporates several unique refinements in structure and layout, showcasing the artistic and engineering advancements of the Chola period.
School & Style
The Hoysala architectural style is known for its intricate detailing, characterized by star-shaped platforms, ornate stone carvings, and sculptures that depict mythological scenes, flora, and fauna.
Built primarily with soapstone, Hoysala temples like the Chennakeshava and Hoysaleswara stand out for their complex, yet harmonious blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles
Material Used & the Technique
The temple was constructed using granite, a material that was challenging to carve yet provided durability. The Cholas employed highly skilled artisans who used advanced stone-cutting and carving techniques to achieve the temple’s fine details. The interlocking system of stones ensured stability, and the use of natural binding materials facilitated longevity.
Plan & Layout
The Hoysaleśvara Temple features a twin-shrined (Dvi Kūṭa) design on a star-shaped platform.
The two sanctums are dedicated to Hoysaleśvara and Shantaleśvara, forms of Lord Shiva.
The elevated design enhances the temple’s <,b>sacred significance.
A circumambulatory path (pradakṣiṇāpatha) lets devotees admire the temple’s intricate artwork while walking clockwise.
A mandapa (hall) with intricately carved pillars leads to the sanctum.
The Nandi Mandapa features a large Nandi (sacred bull) facing the sanctum.
The prakaras (enclosures) house various subsidiary shrines and open courtyards.
A massive temple tank (Chola-era pushkarini) is located nearby, consecrated with water from the Ganga.
Exterior Features
Trivia
AMARASILPI JAKKANNA
This Telugu movie showcasing the Hoysala sculptors is a must watch for those who want to get a holistic view of the Hoysala era.
The Hoysaleśvara Temple is a masterpiece of sculptural storytelling, with over 2,300 intricate carvings adorning its walls, pillars, ceilings, and doorways.
Archaeologist Prof. S. Setter aptly calls it a “manual of Hindu iconography.” Its friezes, meticulously layered from base to top,
unfold like a grand narrative—larger panels depict epic scenes, while smaller friezes below add depth and detail.
Interior Features
Navaranga – The Open Hall
Inside the Hoysalesvara Temple, elegant lathe-turned pillars rise,
adorned with Madanika sculptures celebrating dance and divinity.
The twin sanctums unfold into grand mandapas,
seamlessly merging into a spacious navaranga.
More than a place of worship, it pulsed with life,
a vibrant cultural and social epicenter.
Subsidiary Shrines
The temple complex includes numerous smaller shrines dedicated to deities associated with Shaivism, including:
Ganesha Shrine – Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, symbolizing wisdom and prosperity.
Parvati Shrine – Housing an idol of Goddess Parvati, consort of Shiva.
Chandikeswara Shrine – A common feature in Chola temples, dedicated to Lord Chandikeswara, the guardian of temple wealth.
Check out the
other Chola kings
For the Serious Reader
Nagaswamy, R. 2010. Brhadisvara Temple: Form and Meaning. New Delhi: Aryan Books International.
Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. 1958. A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar. London: Oxford University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find
Vidya, Dehejia. 1990. Art of the Imperial Cholas. New York: Columbia University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find
Hoyasala Sculptures are celebrated for their intricate detailing and lifelike depictions of deities, dancers, and mythological scenes. These sculptures exemplify the artistic brilliance and craftsmanship of the Hoysala period.
A Stone Tapestry of Divine Art
The Hoysaleśvara Temple features over 2,300 intricate carvings across its walls, pillars, ceilings, and doorways.
Prof. S. Setter calls it a “manual of Hindu iconography,” with layered friezes narrating epic stories.
Larger panels depict grand mythological scenes, while smaller friezes add rich details below.
Covering themes of mythology, history, and daily life, it stands as a masterpiece of artistic brilliance.emphasizing divine grace and devotion.
Epics etched on the walls
Star-Shaped Platform: Built on a jagati with a stellate (star-like) plan, allowing smooth pradakshina (circumambulation).
Decorated Walls: Outer walls feature layered carvings of elephants, lions, horse riders, floral scrolls, and epic scenes.
Unfinished Towers: The temple’s shikharas (towers) remain incomplete, giving it a distinctive flat-top appearance.
Devotees & Saints
The Chola kings placed great emphasis on devotion, and this is reflected in the temple’s sculptures:
Royal Figures and Worshippers: Carvings of Chola kings and noble figures engaged in prayer underscore their deep religious commitment.
Rishis and Sages: Sculptures of revered sages like Agastya and Patanjali highlight the spiritual sanctity of the temple.
Celestial Beings & Guardians
Chola sculptors intricately depicted celestial and protective beings that add a divine aura to the temple’s surroundings:
Ganas and Bhutas: The mischievous attendants of Shiva are sculpted in playful and lively poses, adding an element of charm to the temple’s interiors.
Dvarapalas (Door Guardians): These colossal guardians stand at the entrance, exuding strength and vigilance.
The central figure, Shiva, guarded by Varuṇa, God of water, on either side, is depicted majestically seated on his mythical creature, a makara. The doorway is flanked by the Dvārapālakas, (powerful guardian deities tasked with protecting the sacred space within the temple).
The northern gate of the Brihadisvara Temple showcases numerous sculptures recovered from nearby ruins!
Animals & Nature
Nature and animal motifs play a significant role in the temple’s artistic vision.
The Nandi (Sacred Bull), a colossal sculpture facing the sanctum, serves as the divine mount of Shiva, symbolizing strength and devotion. Alongside Nandi, mythical creatures such as lions, makara, and yalis are intricately sculpted into pillars and friezes, symbolizing power and protection.
Scenes of Daily Life
Beyond religious themes, the temple’s sculptures offer glimpses into Chola-era cultural and social life.
Exquisite carvings of musicians and dancers bring to life the artistic vibrancy of the period, with Bharatanatyam dancers and musicians depicted in intricate detail. Temple rituals and offerings are also represented in sculptural panels, showing scenes of sacred bathing (abhishekam) and devotees making offerings.
Did you know that the Gangaikondacholapuram temple was once adorned with vibrant colors?
Though time has weathered much of the paint, fragments of these original murals still remain, offering a glimpse into the temple’s former splendor. These surviving remnants serve as silent witnesses to the grandeur of the Chola dynasty, telling stories of a rich artistic legacy that once breathed life into the stone walls.
We’ve found the perfect spot for you to take a stunning photograph at Brihadishwara!
Solve this puzzle to uncover the location. Are you up for the challenge?
For the Serious Reader
Nagaswamy, R. 2010. Brhadisvara Temple: Form and Meaning. New Delhi: Aryan Books International.
Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. 1958. A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar. London: Oxford University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find
Vidya, Dehejia. 1990. Art of the Imperial Cholas. New York: Columbia University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find
The Chola dynasty, one of South India’s longest-ruling empires, offers valuable lessons in governance, culture, and innovation. Their advanced bureaucratic system emphasized local self-governance through village councils, which ensured efficient administration. The dynasty’s maritime strength and extensive trade networks across Southeast Asia fostered cultural and economic exchanges, reflecting the importance of global connections.
Before & After
<>
Custodians
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram benefits from global recognition and support, underscoring its significance and the need for careful preservation.
Guided by UNESCO’s best practices, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) leads on-ground efforts—such as cleaning, restoration, and stabilization of the delicate chloritic schist stone carvings prone to erosion. In collaboration with state authorities and heritage conservation groups, these custodians work together to safeguard this iconic monument.
“[The Prehistoric Art of Bhimbetka] belongs to a stage of cultural evolution when the ancestors of all people in our country were leading a hunting-gathering way of life.
– V.N. Mishra
an Indian archaeologist in his paper ‘The prehistoric rock art of Bhimbetka
HoysaleshwaraTemple located in the village of Halebidu in Hassan district, Karnataka, is a masterpiece of 12th-century Hoysala architecture. Commissioned in 1160 CE by King Vishnuvardhana and executed under the supervision of his commander Ketamalla, the temple stands on the banks of the vast artificial lake Dwarasamudra, the site of the Hoysala capital.
The temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, celebrated for its architectural brilliance and detailed sculptural narratives.
Hoysala Dynasty
10th-14th CE
The Hoysalas were a prominent South Indian dynasty of Kannada origin that ruled large parts of present-day Karnataka between the 10th and 14th centuries CE. Originally feudatories of the Western Chalukyas, they rose to prominence under King Vishnuvardhana in the early 12th century
The Imperial Cholas: Their Kings and Achievements
The Cholas were among the most powerful dynasties in South Indian history, ruling for over four centuries.
Their reign, particularly from the 9th to the 13th century, saw remarkable achievements in administration, military conquests, temple architecture, literature, and maritime trade.
Check out the
other Chola kingsRajendra Chola I, son of Rajaraja Chola I, was one of the greatest kings of the Chola dynasty. His rule marked the zenith of Chola power and territorial expansion. His key achievements include:
Northern Expeditions: He led campaigns up to the Ganges River, defeating the Pala dynasty of Bengal. To commemorate this feat, he assumed the title ‘Gangaikonda Chola’ and built the new capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Naval Supremacy: His fleet dominated the Bay of Bengal, leading successful conquests in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Srivijaya (modern-day Indonesia and Malaysia).
Rajendra in Battle, Kolar
Mid-10th-century inscriptions from Marale trace their origins, with early records mentioning a battle between Arakella Poyṣala-Maruga and Śīrivur Anniga—marking the first bold strokes of Hoysala ambition.
From warriors in the shadows to empire builders, the Hoysalas, under Viṣṇuvardhana, carved their legacy in both stone and conquest.
Capital of hoyasa
Inscription from
182 A.D. at the Akkana Basadi in
Shravanebelagola
Trivia
AMARASILPI JAKKANNA
This Telugu movie showcasing the Hoysala sculptors is a must watch for those who want to get a holistic view of the Hoysala era.
Legend has it…
A local legend surrounds the origin of the Hoysalas and their emblem – the image of a man fighting a lion. According to folklore, a brave young man named Sala was accompanying a Jain saint named Sudatta Muni near the temple town of Sosevur (modern Angadi), when suddenly a lion attacked. On the saint’s command—“Hoy Sala!” (“Strike, Sala!”)—the young warrior fought and killed the lion. This heroic act earned him not only fame but also the foundation of a dynasty that bore his name.
In Halebidu, people still narrate tales of how divine dreams inspired the temple’s sculptors, and that the intricate carvings came from celestial visions. It is said that the temple was built not just with stone, but with devotion and dreams etched into every wall.
Know the Historian
John Faithfull Fleet (1847-1917), an English civil servant turned eminent historian and epigraphist, played a pivotal role in attracting global attention to the Hoysala temples with his widely red book ‘The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency’ in 1882.
This influential book garnered widespread acclaim, with even Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States, drawing inspiration from it to visit the Hoysala temples.
In fact, she went on to document her experiences and insights in her own 1954 book ‘India and the Awakening East’.
For the Serious Reader
Nagaswamy, R. 2010. Brhadisvara Temple: Form and Meaning. New Delhi: Aryan Books International.Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. 1958. A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar. London: Oxford University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find Vidya, Dehejia. 1990. Art of the Imperial Cholas. New York: Columbia University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find The Brihadishwara Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola I, is an architectural masterpiece that reflects the evolution of Chola temple design. While inspired by the Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur, this temple incorporates several unique refinements in structure and layout, showcasing the artistic and engineering advancements of the Chola period.
School & Style
The Hoysala architectural style is known for its intricate detailing, characterized by star-shaped platforms, ornate stone carvings, and sculptures that depict mythological scenes, flora, and fauna.
Built primarily with soapstone, Hoysala temples like the Chennakeshava and Hoysaleswara stand out for their complex, yet harmonious blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles
Material Used & the Technique
The temple was constructed using granite, a material that was challenging to carve yet provided durability. The Cholas employed highly skilled artisans who used advanced stone-cutting and carving techniques to achieve the temple’s fine details. The interlocking system of stones ensured stability, and the use of natural binding materials facilitated longevity.
Plan & Layout
The Hoysaleśvara Temple features a twin-shrined (Dvi Kūṭa) design on a star-shaped platform.
The two sanctums are dedicated to Hoysaleśvara and Shantaleśvara, forms of Lord Shiva.
The elevated design enhances the temple’s <,b>sacred significance.
A circumambulatory path (pradakṣiṇāpatha) lets devotees admire the temple’s intricate artwork while walking clockwise.
A mandapa (hall) with intricately carved pillars leads to the sanctum.
The Nandi Mandapa features a large Nandi (sacred bull) facing the sanctum.
The prakaras (enclosures) house various subsidiary shrines and open courtyards.
A massive temple tank (Chola-era pushkarini) is located nearby, consecrated with water from the Ganga.
Exterior Features
Trivia
AMARASILPI JAKKANNA
This Telugu movie showcasing the Hoysala sculptors is a must watch for those who want to get a holistic view of the Hoysala era.
The Hoysaleśvara Temple is a masterpiece of sculptural storytelling, with over 2,300 intricate carvings adorning its walls, pillars, ceilings, and doorways.
Archaeologist Prof. S. Setter aptly calls it a “manual of Hindu iconography.” Its friezes, meticulously layered from base to top,
unfold like a grand narrative—larger panels depict epic scenes, while smaller friezes below add depth and detail.
Interior Features
Navaranga – The Open Hall
Inside the Hoysalesvara Temple, elegant lathe-turned pillars rise,
adorned with Madanika sculptures celebrating dance and divinity.
The twin sanctums unfold into grand mandapas,
seamlessly merging into a spacious navaranga.
More than a place of worship, it pulsed with life,
a vibrant cultural and social epicenter.
Subsidiary Shrines
The temple complex includes numerous smaller shrines dedicated to deities associated with Shaivism, including:
Ganesha Shrine – Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, symbolizing wisdom and prosperity.
Parvati Shrine – Housing an idol of Goddess Parvati, consort of Shiva.
Chandikeswara Shrine – A common feature in Chola temples, dedicated to Lord Chandikeswara, the guardian of temple wealth.
Check out the
other Chola kings
For the Serious Reader
Nagaswamy, R. 2010. Brhadisvara Temple: Form and Meaning. New Delhi: Aryan Books International.Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. 1958. A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar. London: Oxford University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find Vidya, Dehejia. 1990. Art of the Imperial Cholas. New York: Columbia University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find Hoyasala Sculptures are celebrated for their intricate detailing and lifelike depictions of deities, dancers, and mythological scenes. These sculptures exemplify the artistic brilliance and craftsmanship of the Hoysala period.
A Stone Tapestry of Divine Art
The Hoysaleśvara Temple features over 2,300 intricate carvings across its walls, pillars, ceilings, and doorways.
Prof. S. Setter calls it a “manual of Hindu iconography,” with layered friezes narrating epic stories.
Larger panels depict grand mythological scenes, while smaller friezes add rich details below.
Covering themes of mythology, history, and daily life, it stands as a masterpiece of artistic brilliance.emphasizing divine grace and devotion.
Epics etched on the walls
Star-Shaped Platform: Built on a jagati with a stellate (star-like) plan, allowing smooth pradakshina (circumambulation).
Decorated Walls: Outer walls feature layered carvings of elephants, lions, horse riders, floral scrolls, and epic scenes.
Unfinished Towers: The temple’s shikharas (towers) remain incomplete, giving it a distinctive flat-top appearance.
Devotees & Saints
The Chola kings placed great emphasis on devotion, and this is reflected in the temple’s sculptures:
Royal Figures and Worshippers: Carvings of Chola kings and noble figures engaged in prayer underscore their deep religious commitment.
Rishis and Sages: Sculptures of revered sages like Agastya and Patanjali highlight the spiritual sanctity of the temple.
Celestial Beings & Guardians
Chola sculptors intricately depicted celestial and protective beings that add a divine aura to the temple’s surroundings:
Ganas and Bhutas: The mischievous attendants of Shiva are sculpted in playful and lively poses, adding an element of charm to the temple’s interiors.
Dvarapalas (Door Guardians): These colossal guardians stand at the entrance, exuding strength and vigilance.
The central figure, Shiva, guarded by Varuṇa, God of water, on either side, is depicted majestically seated on his mythical creature, a makara. The doorway is flanked by the Dvārapālakas, (powerful guardian deities tasked with protecting the sacred space within the temple).
The northern gate of the Brihadisvara Temple showcases numerous sculptures recovered from nearby ruins!
Animals & Nature
Nature and animal motifs play a significant role in the temple’s artistic vision.
The Nandi (Sacred Bull), a colossal sculpture facing the sanctum, serves as the divine mount of Shiva, symbolizing strength and devotion. Alongside Nandi, mythical creatures such as lions, makara, and yalis are intricately sculpted into pillars and friezes, symbolizing power and protection.
Scenes of Daily Life
Beyond religious themes, the temple’s sculptures offer glimpses into Chola-era cultural and social life.
Exquisite carvings of musicians and dancers bring to life the artistic vibrancy of the period, with Bharatanatyam dancers and musicians depicted in intricate detail. Temple rituals and offerings are also represented in sculptural panels, showing scenes of sacred bathing (abhishekam) and devotees making offerings.
Did you know that the Gangaikondacholapuram temple was once adorned with vibrant colors?
Though time has weathered much of the paint, fragments of these original murals still remain, offering a glimpse into the temple’s former splendor. These surviving remnants serve as silent witnesses to the grandeur of the Chola dynasty, telling stories of a rich artistic legacy that once breathed life into the stone walls.
We’ve found the perfect spot for you to take a stunning photograph at Brihadishwara!
Solve this puzzle to uncover the location. Are you up for the challenge?
For the Serious Reader
Nagaswamy, R. 2010. Brhadisvara Temple: Form and Meaning. New Delhi: Aryan Books International.Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. 1958. A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar. London: Oxford University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find Vidya, Dehejia. 1990. Art of the Imperial Cholas. New York: Columbia University Press.
Legend has it that the 12th Śaṅkarācārya of the Śṛṅgerī Maṭha, Śrī Vidyāraṇya, was on a quest to find The Chola dynasty, one of South India’s longest-ruling empires, offers valuable lessons in governance, culture, and innovation. Their advanced bureaucratic system emphasized local self-governance through village councils, which ensured efficient administration. The dynasty’s maritime strength and extensive trade networks across Southeast Asia fostered cultural and economic exchanges, reflecting the importance of global connections.
Before & After
<>
Custodians
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram benefits from global recognition and support, underscoring its significance and the need for careful preservation.
Guided by UNESCO’s best practices, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) leads on-ground efforts—such as cleaning, restoration, and stabilization of the delicate chloritic schist stone carvings prone to erosion. In collaboration with state authorities and heritage conservation groups, these custodians work together to safeguard this iconic monument.