Pallava period (Social and Cultural History)
by S. Krishnamurthy | 2017 | 143,765 words
This study examines the Social and Cultural History of the Pallava period (as gleaned through the Sculptural Art). The Pallavas (6th-9th century A.D.) mainly ruled over the Tondaimandalam (Tondai Nadu) region in the Northern part of Tamil Nadu (South-India). The Pallava dynasty ensured a golden age of architecture, arts, and spirituality and while ...
Head-dress of Women (d): Kirita-makuta
A rare instance of kirita-makuta with a siraschakra can be seen adorning the head of an image of Durga (fig. 162) placed in a niche on the Tirumulasthanattup-perumanadigal shrine in the Bhakthavatsala temple complex at Tirukkalukkunram. The decoration on the makuta follows the conventional practice of involving tassels, makara motifs and beaded designs.
The crown adorning the queens in panels of the Vaikunthaperumal temple at Kanchipuram are similar in shape and design like the conical kirita-makuta worn by the kings. It has a conical top portion with the usual siro-mala of the composite type. When compared to the crown of the king, it is shorter in height and smaller. However, there is also a possibility that both the type of crowns worn by the king and queen can even be an elaborately made turban used in the royal court and on special occasions.