The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has embarked on an exhaustive documentation of the rock-cut temples in Tamil Nadu for the first time which has helped uncover a treasure trove of ancient inscriptions and frescos.
D Dayalan, superintending archaeologist, Temple Survey Project, ASI, said while the documentation of 80 of the 110 rock-cut temples has been completed, the remaining would be over by March-end next year and submitted to the ASI. "The documentation of these temples, discovered during various periods, would help future researchers and heritage enthusiasts as well as the public to learn about the temples," he said.
The documentation involves GPS (global positioning system) mapping and drawings of all the structures in these temples with detailed measurements. "Each structure, including the pillars, icons and drawings have been extensively studied for the documentation. Five to six drawings with minute details of the features in the structures have been made. Besides, we have also photographed these structures," Dayalan said.
Though there are various accounts of the rock-cut temples, this would be an authoritative one to be published by the ASI. Almost all the 110 rock-cut temples in the state belong to the period ranging from sixth to ninth century BC. Apart from the fact that excavating a rock-cut temple is a laborious task, there were other "political" reasons too for such temples not being built subsequently. "After the ninth century, the Cholas gained supremacy in the region. Since they established their capital in Thanjavur, which was flat terrain, there are more structural temples built here," he said.
Pudukottai tops the list of regions in Tamil Nadu with most number of rock-cut temples with about 40 such structures, a fact easily attributed to the rocky terrain here, followed by the Madurai region. The ASI has also recorded historical, geographical, archaeological and environmental information of each of the temples. Inscriptional data of these temples have also been recorded.
During the course of the documentation work, the ASI team also stumbled upon new inscriptions, paintings and hero stones unrecorded so far. "As many as 25 new inscriptions were discovered during the course of the documentation exercise. Fresco paintings were found in a temple in Thiruvellarai near Tiruchi," he said.
Author: V Mayilvaganan | Source: The Times of India [October 15, 2010]