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In this lesson you will learn about sculptures and paintings of the Naicker period. Important sculptures in temples that were renewed and newly built by Naickers are described. The lesson also discusses the paintings of the Naicker period.

The six units of this lesson describe sculptures on Mandaps, general features of the sculptures of Naicker period, sculptures in Madurai Meenakshi Sundaresvrar temple, sculptures based on themes other than ancient mythology and epics, wooden and limestone sculptures and paintings of Vijayanagar Naickers.

The structure of Mandaba Sirpangal is presented in the first central unit. The second unit shows that there is not much of a difference between the sculptures of Vijayanagar kings and Naickers. The third unit deals with the sculptures in the temple halls called Kilikoottu Mandapam, Kampathadi Mandapam, Aayirakaal Mandapam and Puthu Mandapam of Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple.

Sculptures not related to mythology and epics are listed in the fourth unit.

The fifth unit describes wooden sculptures in the temple cars of Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Srivilliputhoor Andal temple and Thiruvaroor Thyagesar temple.

The sixth unit treats the unique painting pattern of the Naickers. These paintings depict the family deities of Vijayanagar kings. Most of them present scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharatha and Krishna Leela.