| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 FiveRathas of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), 630–668 AD | |
 Interactive map of Pancha Rathas | |
| Location | Mamallapuram,Chengalpattu district,Tamil Nadu,India |
| Part of | Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram |
| Includes | |
| Criteria | Cultural: (i), (ii), (iii), (vi) |
| Reference | 249-001 |
| Inscription | 1984 (8thSession) |
| Coordinates | 12°36′31.7″N80°11′22.6″E / 12.608806°N 80.189611°E /12.608806; 80.189611 |
  Pancha Rathas Location of Pancha Rathas in Tamil Nadu  Pancha Rathas Pancha Rathas (India) Show map of India | |
Pancha Rathas (also known asFive Rathas orPandava Rathas or Ainthinai kovil) is a monument complex atMahabalipuram, on theCoromandel Coast of theBay of Bengal, in theChengalpattu district of the state ofTamil Nadu,India. Pancha Rathas is an example ofmonolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. The complex was initially thought to have carved during the reign of KingNarasimhavarman I (630–668 CE). However, historians such as Nagaswamy attributed all of monuments inMahabalipuram toNarasimhavarman II (c. 690–725 CE) with the discovery of new inscriptions.[1] The complex is under the auspices of theArchaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is part of theUNESCOWorld Heritage Site inscribed by UNESCO in 1984 asGroup of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.[2]
Each of the five monuments in the Pancha Rathas complex resembles a chariot (ratha), and each is carved over a single, long stone or monolith, of granite which slopes in north–south direction with a slight incline.[3][4] Though sometimes mistakenly referred to astemples, the structures were never consecrated because they were never completed following the death of Narasimhavarman I.[3][4][5] The structures are named after thePancha Pandavas and their common wifeDraupadi, of epicMahabharata fame.[2][4][6] In order of their size, they include theDharmaraja Ratha,Bhima Ratha,Arjuna Ratha,Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, andDraupadi Ratha.
The monoliths are named after the Pandavas –Arjuna,Bhima,Yudhishthira ("Dharmaraja"),Nakula andSahadeva – andDraupadi. These names are considered to be a misrepresentation as the structures have no link to the iconic characters of the Mahabharata epic. They have no religious significance either, as they remained unfinished and unconsecrated; the uncut rock parts at the base and top of the rathas are still visible. The ASI confirmed the unfinished nature of the structures and suggested that they instead be referred to asvimanas. However, the Pandava names have become permanent.[3][7][8][9]
According to a plaque displayed at the site by the ASI, the Pallava dynasty had planned the structures as models of chariots in rock based on prototypes of ancient rathas built in wood.[9] The Pancha Rathas were carved during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I. Work on these five rathas was discontinued following the death of Narasimha Varman in 668 AD.[5][10] The purpose of their construction is not known as the structures were not completed. Part of the collection within theGroup of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, they were classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.[2]
The site is located at Mahabalipuram (previously known as Mammallapuram), on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in Kancheepuram district. It is approximately 35 miles (56 km) south ofChennai (previously known as Madras), the capital city,[7] whileChengalpattu is about 20 miles (32 km) distant.[11] The structures are part of the nine monolithic rock cut structures seen here.[12]
Each of the five rathas is amonolith, carved whole from a rock outcropping of pink granite. They are carved over a common mounted plinth which is north–south oriented with a slight slope. Each has a different layout, such as square, rectangular, orapsidal plans. The largest measures 42 by 35 feet (13 m × 11 m), and the tallest is 40 feet (12 m) high.[13]
The Pancha rathas represent the diversity of Dravidian architecture of the time and it is likely that their original design traces back to wood constructions of temple chariots and were scale models or templates for much bigger temples built subsequently in Tamil Nadu.[6][14] Most of the rathas are stated to be modelled on the Buddhist Viharas and Chaityas.[10][13]
The structural design and elevation are with towers or domes with single (ekathala) to triple (trithala) towers, which present a unique exhibition of South Indian Dravidian architecture. The chiseling done by the stone sculptors are occasional along joints between the stones. The walls are arranged and sequentially partitioned. The projections and recesses in these walls give the appearance of a set of shallow pilasters. The niches created in the walls are of rectangular shape and have carved sculptures of gods, demi-gods and the kings. The skirting around the images are of wild aquatic animals with "foliated tails and open jaws."[15] The wall pilasters have curved brackets, and columns on the porch provide support to an overhanging eave; arch windows occasionally carved with images are located above them. The mouldings culminate in parapets. The carvings above the eave overhangs are decorated roof forms in miniature size, which are seen in rows all round each of the structure.[15]
The rathas have been preserved well on account of the sturdiness of their material, granite, and in spite of constant salty winds from the Bay of Bengal and catastrophictsunamis in the 13th century AD and in 2004.[2][4][9]
The architectural elegance of theDharmaraja Ratha is its pyramidal structure which rises in three steps. It is built with a square layout. Its composition has been accentuated with carvings of Hindu godsHarihara,Brahma,Skanda,Ardhanarishvara and King Narasimhavarman I. One of the distinctive carvings seen on the eastern face of the ratha is ofIndra (a demi-god of rain and thunderstorms), seated on his mountAiravata (meaning: "a White Elephant"). There is also an independent monolithic stone sculpture ofNandi, adjoining this ratha in the open space. The next in order is theArjuna Ratha, which is well decorated with an elegant façade and is akin to the Dharmaraja Ratha. Next in line is theBhima Ratha built to a rectangular plan and with lion mounted columned (four columns) galleries on both long sides.
TheNakula Sahadeva Ratha is the next in line. It is built to a simple plan with no embellishing carvings in its apses. A stone monolithic sculpture of an elephant is fixed in the open space, next to this ratha. TheDraupadi Ratha, which is the last in the line, is a square structure, which resembles a village hut with thatch roof. The fresco inside this shrine is of mother goddessDurga.[12][16]
| Rathas |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Cave temples | ||
| Rock relief | ||
| Structural temples | ||