This lesson deals with the cave temple sculptures of the Pandyas. The Sculptures in the only single-stone temple car at Kazhuku Vettuvan Coil are discussed. Also described are the sculptures, the paintings and the storeyed temple of Pandyas.

The five core units of this lesson talk about the sculptures in cave temples, in single-stone temple cars, in built-up temples, in the eight storeyed temple towers, and paintings of the Pandya period.

The cave-temple tradition of the Pallavas was followed and perfected by the Pandyas. The first Pandya cave-temple is in Malakadikurichi of Tirunelveli District. Cave-temples at places like Othakadai in Madurai District, Thirupparankundram, Pillayarpatti Cave-temple near Karaikudi, Kundrakudi, Trichy, and Chokkampatti have numerous sculptures in them.


The Single-stone temple car sculptures at Kazhukumalai in Tirunelveli District earned the name “Southern Ellora” for the place.

The art of painting was not the forte of Pandyas. Only two of their paintings at Chithannavaacal and Thirumalaipuram of the earlier Pandyas exist.

On learning this lesson, you will come to know of cave-temple sculptures of early Pandyas following the tradition of Pallavas. Paintings of the early Pandyas, sculptures of building type at Kazhukumalai, a few remnants of early Pandyas’ built-up temples, temple-towers and Mandapas constructed by later Pandyas and also their paintings reveal the interest of Pandyas in these arts.