Royal Patronage and Artisan Skills in Mamallapuram's Pallava Monuments
By G.B. Balaji
Summary
The PDF content discusses two main topics: Buddhist patronage in ancient Andhra and the role of artisans in Indian architecture. The first section details the royal grants by Paramabhattarika Mahadevi for a vihara in Vishnukundi, highlighting the patronage of Buddhism by noble women from Satavahana, Ikshvaku, and Vishnukundi dynasties. It mentions key figures like Santisri and references Hiuen Tsang’s accounts of Buddhist monasteries in the region. The second section explores artisan communities in ancient India, noting terms like taccan and sthapati, their roles in temple construction, and their patronage by kings and village assemblies. It highlights examples of named artisans, such as Erukkatturkkon Peruntaccan and Ciru&.van, and discusses Mamallapuram’s architectural marvels, including the Pancha Pandava Rathas, while acknowledging the anonymity of most artisans despite their skill. The text emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of these artisans and their contributions to India’s architectural heritage.
Conclusion
This document highlights the significant patronage of Buddhism by noble women from Indian dynasties like the Satavahanas, Ikshvaku, and Vishnukundis, particularly in Nagarjunakonda, which emerged as a major Buddhist center. It details royal grants for viharas and monastic activities, emphasizing the role of women like Paramabhattarika Mahadevi in funding religious infrastructure and rituals. The text also underscores the coexistence of Brahmanic and Buddhist practices, noting the decline of Vishnukundis and the persistence of Buddhist establishments, as later attested by Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang. Additionally, it explores the artisan communities of the Pallava period, their societal privileges, and their contributions to architecture and sculpture, particularly in Mamallapuram, where anonymous master craftsmen created iconic monuments without personal recognition. The document thus bridges religious patronage and artistic legacy in ancient India.