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The Chola administration was one of the most innovative and developed dynasties in the history of India. The administration gave various examples for effective government, reflected the level of administration, and provided guidelines that can be utilized by today’s government and administration. Chola temples are so unique in a structure that the world heritage authority appreciates them. Temples have been placed as heritage under the UNESCO site of world heritage. The famous temples built under the Chola period are Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram and Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The temples are great examples of architecture and cultural advancements.
Chola temple: overview
Temples built by the Chola administration are great examples of cultural and artistic progression in the ancient period. The Chola period is one of the significant periods for the development of beautiful and prepossessing temples. The famous temples built during the Chola period are Brihadisvara Temple, Airavatesvara Temple, and Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The three temples are part of a world heritage site under UNESCO. Among various temples, Brihadisvara Temple is the most famous and remarkable temple. It is situated in Tamilnadu having a distance of 350 KM from southwest of the city of Chennai. RajaRaja 1 built the temple and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva in Hinduism. The advancement in the cultural activities and architectural brilliancy is appreciable in the buildings of temples.
Great temples built under the Chola period:
Chola temples are considered as the great living temples built by various kings under the Chola Empire. The temples are escalated in the southernmost areas and islands nearby. These temples were built between the period of the 11th and 12th centuries. The major temples are Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram and Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. RajaRaja 1 built Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur between the years 1003 and 1010which is a great example of the architecture of the latest times. The temple houses the tallest vimana that can be found in the world, having a 3.7-meter Shiva linga.
The design and simplicity of the architecture give a world-class inspiration to architectures that can be followed in the arctic works. Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram is another example of a great living temple. The temple was built by RajaRaja 2 and was dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has vimana about 24 meters high. The temple houses are smaller than other great temples but possess great architectural design. It was built in the 12 century; the temple derives its name from the word “Airavatha” which means elephant. This was the most prominent place for worship activities in the period of the Chola dynasty.
Activities related to Chola temples
Chola temples were great places for worship in Hinduism. In addition, the temple also served many purposes during the Chola period. Making of crafts, architecture for small buildings, bronze images, painting are some of the activities that can be seen with the association with the temples. The temples were the center of political, social, and economical activities. In context to political activity, the kings and the rules used to endow the temple lands for several benefits and considered it as a matter of interest in the political scenario. While the activities that flourished by the common people near the temples are musicians, sweepers, cooks, dancers, garland makers, and others. The activities are significant in the development of an effective and efficient society during the Chola period.
Conclusion
Chola art flourished in the most possible manner under the Chola period. The cultural advancement of the common people under the reign of the Chola dynasty is visible by the temples built under the Chola administration. Inscriptions under the culture are highly inspired by the footprints of the great king Ashoka of the Maurya Empire. RajaRaja 1 inaugurated the building of famous temples in the southern part of India. The temples are well sculptured and found their place in the UNESCO site of world heritage. After RajaRaja 1, the following successors were responsible for the building of famous temples under the Chola period.
