Artwork
Puliyar Rath
Puliyar Rath is a photographic photography by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Puliyar Rath is an albumen print photograph depicting a free-standing cave sanctuary at Mahabalipuram's southern end, featuring intricately carved rock-cut structures.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a small, multi-tiered stone temple amidst a dry, rocky field, surrounded by people dwarfed by its size, highlighting the site's sculptural grandeur.
Technique & Style
The black and white albumen print lends a faded, historical quality, while the temple's smooth, rounded edges and small towers evoke an ancient, ornate design.
History & Provenance
Constructed under Pallava kings during the 7th–8th centuries, Puliyar Rath is part of Mahabalipuram, a site renowned for its significant sculptural achievements in India.
Context
The temple is one of several 'rathas' (rock-cut temple-like chariots) and open-air sculptures in the area, including the nearby Shore Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
Cave sanctuary at Mahabalipuram
Entrance to the Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple, Madurai
West and South Sides of the Vimana Walls, Great Temple (Brihadeshvara) at Tanjore (Thanjavur)
View from the Top of the Rock, looking over the native Town, Trichinopoly, India
The Central Tower of the Great Pagoda
Western Gateway (Gopuram) of the Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple, Madurai
Entrance to the Nata Dewale Grounds, Kandy
Temple Tank, Tamil Nadu
Painting
Hindoo Temple Sculpture, Southern India, Hullabeed
Tamil Gateway (Gopura), Tamil Nadu
Goldsmith's Arch, Rome