Inscribed as world heritage site in 1987,
the additions were made to this category in 2004.
Brihadiswara temple at Thanjavur belongs to 11th century and
was designated as a world heritage in 1987. Two other
temples added to the list were built by kings of the Chola
Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries and are known as the
Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara
temple at Darasuram. The former was built by Rajendra I in
1035 and has a 53-m 'vimana' (tower) with recessed corners
and an upward curving movement. Six pairs of masonry guards
watch its entrances and beautiful bronzes inside the temple
qre quite noteworthy. The latter of was built by Rajaraja II
and has a 24-m 'vimana' and an idol of Lord Shiva. These
temples are legendary examples of architectural, sculptural,
painting and bronze casting advancements and achievements
during the time of Cholas.
These three exceptional specimens of Chola temples are
invaluable evidences of the Tamil civilisation in Southern
India and the architectural development under Chola Empire.
Their conception is in pure Dravida style of temple
architecture. The Brihadeshwara temple was built by King
Rajaraja and has a severe pyramidal 65-m vimana. Rich
sculpture and wall murals make it hold a unique place in the
history of India. It was built between 1003 and 1010 and is
built mainly from blocks of granite and partly in bricks. It
is surrounded by double enclosures. A bulb-shaped monolith
at the top of its sanctum tower looks quite dominating.
These temples speak well of the Chola Empire extending all
over South India and nearby islands and throw exceptional
light on the glory of that period.
