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.
