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 ...
Minor deities, celestials, sages and asuras
[Full title: Religious Beliefs (during the Pallava period): Minor deities, celestials, sages and asuras]
In the sculptural representation of this period minor deities like Surya, Chandra, Dikpalaka, Chandesa, Ayudha-purusha, Garuda, Adisesha and Nandi; celestials like Kinnaras, Gandharva and Vidyadharas either in single or with consorts; several representation of sages with or without their disciples and few identified as Agastya, Narada, Bhrigu and Markandeya are also found. Apart from them several attandants to the deities like ganas, dvarapalakas, dvarapalikas and chauri-bearers are also found. Further representation of asuras like Mahisha, Andhaka, Jalandhara, Gajasura, Hiranyakasipu and Ravana are also portrayed as part of the narration. This shows the wide popularity of the puranas and epics in this period.