Mahabalipuram

Mamallapuram is a small coastal town about 55Kms from Chennai along the scenic ECR road. It was the port city of the Pallavas, who ruled this area around the 6th to 9th century from their capital city Kanchipuram.

Under the reign of Narasimha Varman, this seaport began to grow into an artistic center. The panels and sculptures seen here weren’t done during a single King’s lifetime. The scope of work done here points to the effort undertaken over a century or two. This would have been possible only with the vision as well as the patronage from the kings which encouraged the sculptors in their pursuit of excellence.