“You have to know the past to understand the present.” – Carl Sagan
Imagine hanging upside down from a precarious height, supported only by scaffolding, with a mere piece of cloth guarding your mouth, and nothing to shield your eyes. You’re diligently chiseling away at a colossal rock while chips of stone assail your eyes. All your hard work goes unnoticed, with no name or credit to claim, only the satisfaction of leaving behind a legacy destined to endure for future generations. This vivid scene was painted by Dr. Chitra Madhavan for our CAIE 7, 8, and IGCSE 1 students.
The Humanities department of CPS Global, Thirumazhisai organized a captivating guest lecture by Dr. Chitra Madhavan on Temple architecture in India, spanning from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD, as part of the Humanities week celebration. Dr. Chitra Madhavan, has an M.A. and an M.Phil. In Indian History, as well as a Ph.D. in Ancient History and Archaeology.
Using a plethora of images, she elucidated how temples evolved from humble caves into colossal structures adorned with intricate patterns. Dr. Chitra also shed light on how temple designs were influenced by the types of rock used. Hard rocks like granite gave rise to towering marvels, while soft rock temples became canvases for intricate carvings.
During her presentation, Dr. Chitra delved into the temples of Mamallapuram, speculating on the reasons behind the apparent incompleteness of some structures. She guided our students through the magnificent Bragadeeshwara temple in Tanjore, offering insights into how this architectural marvel might have been constructed without the aid of modern technology or machinery.
The famous stone chariot of Hampi and the regrettably destroyed masterpiece of Gangai Konda Cholapuram were also masterfully explained. Dr. Chitra educated the students on the strategic placement of Kopurams and the significance of Vamanas. She captivatingly detailed the practice of installing kalasams to safeguard the surrounding villages from a lightning. The 3D sculptures showcased were nothing short of jaw dropping, and the enduring use of natural colors stood as a testament to the passage of time.
Our students were wholly engrossed in the lecture, and Dr. Chitra deftly answered their questions. Throughout the session, they gained a profound appreciation for the artisanship, extensive effort, engineering, work force, and architectural brilliance that contributed to the creation of these temples.
This session unveiled an exciting new world of temple architecture to our students, promising that they will never view a temple in the same light again. As the saying goes, “History is like a story, depending on who is telling it.” This quote perfectly encapsulates today’s session with Dr. Chitra. It was a truly unique experience, and CPS Global is committed to bringing more such enriching experiences to our students in the future.
