Inscribed as world heritage site in 1987, the
additions were made to this category in 2004. Brihadiswara temple at
Thanjavur belongs to 11th century and was designated as a world heritage
in 1987. Two other temples added to the list were built by kings of the
Chola Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries and are known as the Temple
of Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram. The
former was built by Rajendra I in 1035 and has a 53-m 'vimana' (tower)
with recessed corners and an upward curving movement. Six pairs of
masonry guards watch its entrances and beautiful bronzes inside the
temple qre quite noteworthy. The latter of was built by Rajaraja II and
has a 24-m 'vimana' and an idol of Lord Shiva. These temples are
legendary examples of architectural, sculptural, painting and bronze
casting advancements and achievements during the time of Cholas.
These three exceptional specimens of Chola temples are invaluable
evidences of the Tamil civilisation in Southern India and the
architectural development under Chola Empire. Their conception is in
pure Dravida style of temple architecture. The Brihadeshwara temple was
built by King Rajaraja and has a severe pyramidal 65-m vimana. Rich
sculpture and wall murals make it hold a unique place in the history of
India. It was built between 1003 and 1010 and is built mainly from
blocks of granite and partly in bricks. It is surrounded by double
enclosures. A bulb-shaped monolith at the top of its sanctum tower looks
quite dominating. These temples speak well of the Chola Empire extending
all over South India and nearby islands and throw exceptional light on
the glory of that period.
