LESSON - 6 |
D05126 Temple Paintings |
In the ancient Sangam period, paintings were common in palaces and places where the kings used to spend their leisure time. But as time progressed, paintings began to appear in temples. These paintings depict religious concepts. Paintings were found in various places inside these temples. Most common among them were the Aiyarankal mandapam, Noottukal mandapam, Mahamandapam, Mun mandapam and Thiruchittu mandapam. Paintings were also painted in the inner and outer walls of temples and the towers at the entrance. Paintings were there in the halls of temples known as Ezhuthu mandapam. |
At Thiruparakuntam near Madurai, there was a temple hall which was known as Ezhutu nilai mandapam. This is the oldest known example for paintings in temples. |
The oldest visible temple paintings are those of the Pallava Empire. Mahendravarman who reigned during the 7th century AD was an expert painter. |
Paintings are also found in the temples of the 8th and 9th century. An example is the temple in the Arcot area known as Armamalai. These color paintings beautifully depict creepers, plants and swans. Another temple specializing in such paintings is the Chithannavacal cave temple. This temple was built by Mahendravarman of the Pallava Empire. |
The reign of the Nayakar kings saw a flourish in temple paintings. |
Sixty four images of Thiruvilaiyadal puranam are beautifully depicted as paintings on the walls surrounding the golden lotus tank of the Madurai Meenashi temple. A painting in another hall of the temple depicts the historical events during the reign of Rani Mangammal. |
Paintings from the period of the Nayakar kings who ruled Thanjavur can be found at Patteeswaram and Chidambaram. At the Amman koil Mandapam in Patteeswaram, the painting depicts the scenes from Thalapuranam. |
From this lesson we have learnt about the paintings found in various temples across TamilNadu. |