Pancha Rathas Photo

Photographer’s Note

Pancha Rathas (five chariots) at Mamallapuram are an example of ancient Indian monolith rock-cut architecture. These 7th century temples were carved out of whole rock outcroppings of pink granite during the reign of King Mamalla (Narasimhavarman I). The temples are unfinished and were never used for worship.

The photo shows a view of the complete complex. The five rathas are named after the Pandavas. On the centre one can see a carved lion. On the left extreme is the Druapadi ratha. Next to it is the Arjuna ratha. The larger on behind the lion is the Bhima ratha. On the right extreme is the Nakula and Sahadeva ratha. The Dharmaraja (Yudishtir) ratha is hidden behind the other structures - only part of the top can be seen behind the Nakula and Sahadeva ratha. An carved elephant can also be seen next to the Nakula and Sahadeva ratha.

As mentioned, each of the temples is carved out of a single rock outcropping and is not assembled from cut rocks. The architectural style used here can be seen in many south Indian temples constructed in the next 1000 years.

This site has been classified as a UNESCO world heritage site.

shiznutz24, trekks has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

trekks (14282) 2009-05-10 21:15

hi Manoj

South India, yes, a place I have seen on TE a few times.

I am surprised at the spread of this architecture style as far as Cambodia and Indonesia during the 6 or 7th century. But history is so interesting to trace the migration of cultures and influence.

This is a nice shot of the temple. Very interesting to see another heritage site picture.

Perhaps you would notice the people at bottom left and try to avoid cutting them partially, either frame them completely in or leave them out. Same for the tiny bit of leaves at top left, crop it out. That does not help to improve your photo.

The rest of your photo is great.

tfs, bill