Art, Architecture & Iconography

14th Century Kali Bronze from Padi's Pidari Ponni Amman Temple

By M. Chandramoorthy

A Vijayanagar bronze statue of Kali, dating to the 14th century AD, was discovered in the Pidari Ponni Amman temple in Padi, a village 13 km northwest of Madras. The village, historically known as…

30th Issue: Diverse Papers, Heritage Focus, and Publication Ethics

By G. J. Sudhakar

The journal maintains high quality through the collective efforts of the C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation team and the trust of its contributors. This issue features diverse papers, including studies…

A. Vaidhyanatha Iyer and Madurai's 1939 Temple Entry Movement Against Caste Discrimination

By A. Vaidhyanatha Iyer

A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, a prominent leader in Gandhi's anti-untouchability movement, led a historic temple entry event at Madurai's Meenakshi Amman Temple on July 8, 1939. This marked a pivotal moment…

Agni's Evolution in Vedic Iconography and Art

By Nanditha C. Krishna

Agni, the Vedic deity of fire, holds significant importance in human history for enabling survival and development through warmth, light, and ritual practices. The *Ṛig Veda* describes Agni with…

Antiquity and Architectural Significance of Thrikodithanam Temple

By Aryalakshmi

The Journal of Indian History and Culture's December 2022 issue focuses on the historical and architectural significance of Thrikodithanam Temple in Kerala. The article highlights the temple's…

Ardhanarisvara Iconography in Kushana Art: Analysis and Debate

By V. Sandhiyalakshmi

The article discusses the iconography of Ardhanarisvara, a composite androgynous form of Shiva and Parvati, across various Indian art traditions. It examines Kushana-era depictions from Mathura,…

Ardhanarisvara Iconography in Kushana Art: Analysis and Debate

By V. Sandhiyalakshmi

The article discusses the iconography of Ardhanarisvara, a composite androgynous form of Shiva and Parvati, across various Indian art traditions. It examines Kushana-era depictions from Mathura,…

Ardhanarisvara Iconography in Kushana Art

By V. Sandhiyalakshmi

The article examines the iconography of Ardhanarisvara, a composite androgynous form of Shiva and Parvati, with a focus on Kushana-period representations from Mathura. It highlights the earliest…

Armamalai Cave Paintings: An Unprotected Historic Rock Art Site

By Y. Pavitra

The Armamalai cave in Tamil Nadu, near Periya Malayampattu village, hosts an unprotected historic rock art site featuring pre-historic and historic-era paintings. Located on a sloping hill face, the…

Arunachaleswarar Temple Inscriptions: Chola Dynasty Contributions and Socio-Religious Activities

By T. Ramaswamy

The Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, originated as a small shrine in the 7th century CE, later expanding into a large rectangular complex spanning 465 meters by 225 meters. Over…

Avanti Parshwanath Temple & Kalyan Mandir Stotra: Ujjain's Jain Heritage

By Unexhibited

The ancient city of Ujjain, originally named Avantika Puskarandini and Vishala, served as the capital of Malwa. King Sudhanva later renamed it Ujjain. The city holds historical significance as the…

Badridas Jain Temple: Kolkata's Shitalnath Bhagwan Sanctuary

By Arpit Shah

The Badridas Jain Temple, located in the Maniktalla locality of Kolkata, is the most prominent among a cluster of four Jain temples known as the Parasnath Temple. Built in 1867 by Rai Bahadoor…

Bone, Stone and Throne: Relic Veneration's Rise and Impact on Pre-Modern Chinese Society

By Dhriti Roy

The rise of relic veneration in Chinese Buddhism, particularly through the enshrinement of Gautama Śākyamuni’s remains, profoundly shaped monastic life and broader pre-modern Chinese society. This…

Burhanpur: Unexplored History, Monuments, and Society

By Suresh Mishra, Nandkishore Dewda

The book *Burhanpur: Unexplored History, Monuments and Society* by Suresh Mishra and Nandkishore Dewda, published in 2018, provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical, cultural, and…

Ciruttondar's Sacrifice: A Saiva Saint's Story in Sculpture

By Natana Kasinathan

The Journal of Indian History and Culture article examines the sculptural depictions of Ciruttondar’s story across Tamil Nadu temples, particularly noting variations from the Periyapuranam narrative.…

Col. Munroe's Administrative and Temple Reforms in Travancore

Col. John Munroe, as Dewan of Travancore, implemented significant administrative and temple reforms in the early 19th century. He systematically reorganized temple management under state control,…

Economics and Social Equity in Tirthankar Mahaveer's Teachings

By Bipin Doshi

The text discusses the economic philosophy of Tirthankar Mahaveer, emphasizing the importance of economic empowerment for individuals and society. It highlights that cultures and religions should…

Eternal Sixteen: The Legend of Markandeya at Amirthakadeswarar Temple

By G. Srinivasan

The Sri Abirami Sametha Sri Amirthakadeswarar Temple in Thirukkadaiyur, Mayiladuturai, is a historically and spiritually significant Shaivite shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva as Amirthakadeswarar and…

Fort Temples of Dharmapuri: Architectural and Historical Insights

By Major Syed Shahabuddeen, J. Sarasa

Dharmapuri, a historical town in Tamil Nadu, was known by various names like Thagadur, Vldugathazhagin Nallur, and Nana Desipatinam before being renamed Dharmapuri during the reign of Jagadeva Raya,…

Ganesh Idol Crafting in Western India: Culture, Creativity, and Community

By Preeta Nilesh

The Ganesh festival in Western India, a ten-day ritual centered on idol worship, drives a specialized creative industry in idol manufacturing, particularly in Penn, Maharashtra. This study examines…

Harihara-Ekapada Trimurti: Iconography and Conservation in Rāmagiri's Kalyāṇa-Nṛsiṃha Temple

By R.K.K. Rajarajan

The article focuses on a rare Harihara-Ekapāda-Trimūrti sculpture from the Kalyāṇa-Nṛsiṃha temple in Rāmagiri, Tamil Nadu, highlighting its unique iconography and historical context. The tēr (car…

Harihara-Ekapada Trimurti: Iconography and Conservation in Rāmagiri's Kalyāṇa-Nṛsiṃha Temple

By R.K.K. Rajarajan

The article focuses on a rare Harihara-Ekapāda-Trimūrti sculpture from the Kalyāṇa-Nṛsiṃha temple in Rāmagiri, Tamil Nadu, highlighting its unique iconography and historical context. The tēr (car…

Hero Stones of Tiruvannamalai: History and Cultural Significance

By M.Amirthalingam

Hero stones, known as virakals, birkals, tirakal, lam kokals, and nadukals in Tamil, are memorial stones erected to honor soldiers who died in battles or skirmishes, as well as those who protected…

Identifying the Chief Architect in Arjuna’s Penance Panel

By Aravind Kumar

The article examines the social status and identity of artisans in medieval South India, focusing on a sculptor depicted in the Arjuna’s Penance panel at Mamallapuram. The analysis highlights the…