Latest news with #Chola-era
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Bringing masterpieces adorning temples and heritage sites to people's homes
Inspired by the masterpieces that adorn temples and heritage sites, Viswamayam, a start-up, has created miniature replicas of iconic sculptures such as Gnanasaraswathi of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the Sapthamatrikas of Thirunedunkalam, and Rishabakunjaram of Darasuram, which people can display at their homes. 'Even UNESCO treasures such as Gangaikonda Cholapuram often lack accessible souvenirs. We bridge this divide by meticulously crafting replicas of the masterpieces of Indian temples, bringing their sacred beauty into homes at a reasonable cost,' Lalitharam, one of the founders of Viswamayam, said. The first step in creating the replicas is digitally designing the sculpture, followed by 3D printing. The pieces are then made using a blend of stone powder and resin. In this project, Mr. Lalitharam has collaborated with Swamimalai Saravanan, a student of fine arts and crafts. 'Swamimalai is a hub for the bronze sculpture industry, especially Chola-era bronzes. As a student who studied sculpture-making in Kumbakonam, I decided to focus on introducing great stone masterpieces to connoisseurs of fine arts and the general public alike,' Mr. Saravanan said. What sets Viswamayam's sculptures apart is their ability to recreate the look and feel of real stone, capturing the intricate details and textures of ancient artistry. 'We do not add any paint or colour agents. The sculptures are heat- and water-resistant and will not fade,' Mr. Lalitharam said. An engineer trained in the United States and a professional in making engineering prototypes, Mr. Lalitharam's interest in history was nurtured by R. Kalaikovan, with whom he toured Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country to visit temples and historical sites. 'This is the first time I am using my engineering knowledge for a subject close to my heart. Our mission is to celebrate and illuminate India's heritage, offering art lovers a tangible piece of this legacy,' he said. They began with Gnanasaraswathi, who adorns the wall of the northern entrance of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple. She holds a bundle of manuscripts instead of the traditional veena. A similar sculpture can be found in the Thanjavur Big Temple. 'It is an unusual depiction of Saraswathi, presented with the Dharjani mudra, a warning sign. This mudra is not part of traditional Saraswathi iconography. She holds one finger in a manner similar to how the Dwarapalakas at temple entrances are shown,' said Dr. Kalaikovan of the Dr. M. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research. Sapthamatrikas — Brahmi, Vaishnavi, Maheswari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi, and Chamundi — represent strength, wisdom, and protection.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
PM Modi to attend 1,000th anniversary of Gangetic conquest on July 27
CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the 1,000th anniversary of the Gangetic conquest by King Rajendra Chola I. The event is organised in the Brahadiswara temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gangaikondacholapuram in Ariyalur district on July 27. The PM is likely to release a coin to commemorate the occasion. Official sources said that according to the tentative schedule, the PM is likely to visit the temple in the evening of July 27, and after darshan, he will be viewing a photo exhibition organised by the ASI. The topics to be covered in the photo exhibition include Rajendra Chola I's Gangetic expedition, and Kadaram expedition, miniature sculptures related to Shaivism and Chola-era sculptures. Later, Modi will be enjoying a 'Thiruvachagam' symphony by music maestro Ilayaraaja for about 20 minutes. In all, the PM is scheduled to be there for around three hours. HR and CE sources said the Tamil Nadu government is celebrating Adi Thiruvathirai, the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I, from July 23. Chief Minister MK Stalin and five of his Cabinet colleagues are likely to take part in the celebrations on July 23. The PM is taking part in the valedictory celebrations on July 27. However, the CM's participation in the PM's programme is yet to be confirmed. R Komagan, chairman, Gangaikondacholapuram Development Council Trust, told TNIE that heads of 36 Adheenams in Tamil Nadu, including the one which donated the Sengol to Parliament, have been invited for the PM's event. The event starts with a 'Thiruvachagam' recital by 50 Oodhuvars.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
How a 5,000-year-old Indian game is making a comeback in Tamil Nadu
At a time when cricket and football dominate public grounds, groups of youngsters from Tamil Nadu's 20 districts are reviving 'atya patya' (game of dodge), a Chola-era traditional rural game. Once played during harvest festivals, the game is also mentioned in 'Natrinai', a classical Tamil poetic work in Sangam literature. Played in teams of 15 (nine on court and six substitutes) and 10 referees, the game is known by other names such as killi thattu (the referee is called killi, the other players as taggers) and uppu kodu (salt lines). "It was traditionally played with salt to mark the courts, especially by women in salt fields, which is why the name uppu kodu stuck," says David James R, President of the Chengalpet district atya patya federation. Actor and former chief minister J Jayalalithaa once danced on an atya patya court for the song 'Naan than di kaathi' from the 1968 Tamil film 'Pudhiya Bhoomi', which featured former chief minister and matinee idol M G Ramachandran. "That 20-second sequence is perhaps the only mainstream cinematic depiction of the game," he says, adding that they chose such scenes to strike a chord with the rural audience. Read More
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
T.N. Minister slams Palaniswami over criticism of HR&CE-run educational institutions
Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) P.K. Sekarbabu on Thursday (July 10, 2025) hit back at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for questioning the department's role in running educational institutions using temple funds. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Mr. Sekarbabu said, 'It is highly condemnable that Mr. Palaniswami, unaware of the historical context, spoke like a mouthpiece of the BJP.' The Minister said over 22,450 students are currently studying in 25 schools, one polytechnic, and nine arts and science colleges administered by the HR&CE department. Since the DMK assumed office, ₹132 crore has been spent on building additional classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and auditoriums in these institutions. Despite legal hurdles, four of the 10 new colleges announced by the department have been inaugurated, benefitting around 2,500 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, he said. Responding to Mr. Palaniswami's remarks challenging the department's authority to run educational institutions using temple funds, Mr. Sekarbabu said the core mission of the department also includes feeding the poor through annadanam, supporting education, and operating healthcare centres. Quoting Chola-era inscriptions from the Thirumukkoodal temple, the Minister said there is historical precedent for temples running schools and hospitals. He added the HR&CE Act empowers the department to establish and manage educational institutions. During Mr. Palaniswami's tenure as Chief Minister, the AIADMK government spent several crores from temple funds to develop HR&CE-run colleges, he said, and pointed out that former Chief Ministers, including K. Kamaraj, M. Bhaktavatsalam, M. Karunanidhi, M.G. Ramachandran, and J. Jayalalithaa, had endorsed temple-administered educational initiatives.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Time of India
BM Trippin' Tales: Ancient Gudekote awaits recognition as tourism treasure trove
Gudekote, with historical depth and natural beauty, deserves recognition. Conservation and sustainable tourism will uplift the region, protecting heritage Dr M Rajanna Principal of Gudekote College A Land Etched in History, Awaiting Preservation and a region rich with historical footprints—from the prehistoric era to the reign of the Mauryas, Cholas, and Palegars—remains a neglected gem. This land, once ruled by the Palegars and home to the brave woman warrior Onake Obavva, is steeped in heritage and echoes the grandeur of a bygone era. Yet, the question that looms large is: When will Gudekote be recognized as a tourist destination?Despite being home to ancient cave paintings, a Chola-era temple complex, and a fortress from the Palegar period, Gudekote in Karnataka's Ballari district remains largely forgotten. Historians and locals alike worry that without urgent preservation, these priceless remnants of the past could be lost amidst rocky hills, Gudekote is dotted with prehistoric rock art, stone tools, and burial sites such as Kindikone Samadhi, hinting at the region's significance since the Stone Age. The influence of the Mauryan Empire under Emperor Ashoka also stretches into this land, making it a rich archaeological of the standout landmarks is the Choleshwara Temple, located within Gururaj's orchard, alongside the Panchalinga shrines and a stepped tank dating back to the Chola dynasty. These structures, though fragile, still reflect the grandeur of ancient temple legacy is deeply entwined with the Palegars, local chieftains known for their defiance against imperial forces. The Gudekote Fort, strategically built with multiple watchtowers, battlements, granaries, and stepwells, stands as a silent witness to their rule. At the entrance of the village lies the Upparige Mahal, also known as Tangali Mahal, a symbol of royal architectural finesse. Surrounding the area are several monastic institutions such as the Hiremutt, Virakta Mutt, and the Veniveerappa Mutt, each holding historical and spiritual particular note is a unique monolithic sculpture in a Shiva-Parvati temple, portraying Parvati seated on Shiva's thigh, a depiction rare not just in Karnataka but across South India. Yet, this remarkable artwork is crumbling, with no signs of preservation efforts. Locals report that many such temples have been damaged by treasure hunters or left to deteriorate due to lack of is not just about history. During the monsoon, the semi-arid landscape transforms into a lush, green haven reminiscent of Malenadu.
