10 Questions
The monuments of the Pallavas consist of cave temples and structural temples, plus a few ______ structures.
monolithic
One of the most important sculptural works of this period is from ______.
Mamallapuram
The relief is on two huge ______.
boulders
The sculpture is uneven but very distinct and spontaneous in ______.
representation
There is a flow in the whole ______.
composition
They include gods, demi - gods, and ______, all in the flying position.
sages
The ascetic figures in the crowd have been shown in ______ posture.
meditating
The name of the relief, according to some scholars, is ______ where Shiva has been shown receiving the flow of Ganges in his hair.
Gangavatarana
To the right of the cleft a four-armed figure larger than all the rest can be identified as ______ by the trident over his shoulders and his group of followers.
Shiva
This has been regarded for ages as one of the masterpieces of the Indian ______ from the southern part of the country.
sculptures
Study Notes
Pallava Monuments
- Consist of cave temples, structural temples, and monolithic structures
The Sculpture of Mamallapuram
- Located on two huge boulders
- Uneven but distinct and spontaneous in representation
- Features a crowd of life-size human and animal figures, including gods, demi-gods, and sages
- All figures are shown facing a cleft between the two boulders
- Upper part of the relief shows movement and energy, while the lower part is calmer
- Ascetic figures are shown in meditating posture
Identification of the Relief
- Also known as Gangavatarana, depicting Shiva receiving the flow of Ganges in his hair
- Alternatively, it could be known as Arjuna's Penance, featuring a male figure in meditation
Characteristics of the Sculpture
- Enormous speed and monumentality in the sculptures
- Animal figures show close observation of the natural world, e.g. sleeping baby elephant, monkey figures, deer scratching its nose
- Figures have softness and roundness in treatment
- Regarded as one of the masterpieces of Indian sculptures from the southern part of the country
This quiz covers the monuments and sculptural works of the Pallava period, including cave temples, structural temples, and monolithic structures in Mamallapuram.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
