The Pandyan empire is believed to have first emerged circa 600 BC and was one of the leading Tamil dynasties of Southern India.[1] There were various forms of art and many architectural communities within the empire, and their work was sold to overseas markets.[2] Rock cutting and structural temples are examples of these, playing a significant role in Pandyan culture.[3] The rock carvings typically depicted religious figures, floral motifs and animals and were made to surround temples and shrines.[4]
The vimana, gopuram and mandapa are some of the predominant features of the early Pandyan temples.[5] Groups of small temples are seen at the Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu.[1] In the later stages of Pandyan rule, finely sculptured idols, gopurams and vimanas were developed. Gopurams are the rectangular entrance and portals of the temples.[6][7]
Pandyan Art and Architecture
Years active
3rd century BCE - 14th century CE
Location
India
Influences
Deities of Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Other integral art forms of these Pandyan communities were the paintings, poetry, music and punch-marked coins, each with symbols and transcriptions holding meaning to society.[8][9][10]
^ abRajan, K. V. Soundara (1998). Rock-cut Temple Styles: Early Pandyan Art and the Ellora Shrines. Somaiya Publications. ISBN978-81-7039-218-7. OCLC40418585.
^Cite error: The named reference :5 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Thangapandian, K. (2014). "The Artisan Community and Crafts Production During the Later Pandyas". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 75: 239–245. JSTOR44158385.
^Desai, Pandurang Bhimarao; Ritti, Shrinivas; Gopal, Balakrishnan Raja (1971). Studies in Indian History and Culture. OCLC1129471497.[page needed]