- The Pallavas were the pioneer of the Dravida style of architecture.
- During the rule of Pallavas the cave architecture saw a new turn, monolithic temples and statues were built during their time. At this time the three new styles of architecture such as Anga, Mandapa, Rathas began to be built.
- Under Mahendravarman: During his time a new style of building temples without making the use of bricks, iron, lime, wood, etc began to take place.
- Fine examples of rock cut temples: Mahabalipuram.
- These rock cut temples were termed as ‘Mandapas’. These Mandapas were the pillared Varamdas which consisted of Garbhagirha at the end.
- Example: Trimurti Mandapa of Mandaggapattu, Panchapandava Mandapa of Pallvaram.
- Under Narsimhavarman I (Mamalla style of Architecture): In Mamalla style of architecture two styles of temples can be seen they are- a) Mandapas and b) Rathas.
- The Mandapas of Mamalla style are more ornamental as compared to Mahendravarman style of Mandapas.
- Rathas: Free-standing monolithic shrines called ‘Rathas’ (chariots)which were constructed alongside pillared halls. They were generally built of granite stones. These rathas called as as ‘Seven Pagodas’ or ‘Seven Rathas’.
- Under Narsimhavarman II: In this style of architecture the temples were now built by making the use of bricks, woods, stones,etc.
- Examples: Shore temple, Ishwariya temple, Mukunda temple, etc.
Fig: Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
