Pallava period (Social and Cultural History)
by S. Krishnamurthy | 2017 | 143,765 words
This study examines the Social and Cultural History of the Pallava period (as gleaned through the Sculptural Art). The Pallavas (6th-9th century A.D.) mainly ruled over the Tondaimandalam (Tondai Nadu) region in the Northern part of Tamil Nadu (South-India). The Pallava dynasty ensured a golden age of architecture, arts, and spirituality and while ...
Solid instruments (Ghana)
(i) Cymbals
Both small and big cymbals are depicted in the art of this period. The Bhagiratha penance panel and the Kailasanatha temple (fig. 401) depicts many kinnaris and Ganas playing on pair of small cymbals. In a panel on the northern cloister wall (lower row) of the Vaikunthaperumal temple at Kanchipuram can be seen a man standing among the elephantry and playing upon large cymbals, perhaps signaling the starting of a war (fig. 402).
(ii) Small hand Bell (Ghanta)
A bell (ghanta) can be seen normally associated with religious activity while engaged in worshiping the deity. It is mentioned in the agamas that the sound of the bell drives away evil forces and usheres in good. In one such depiction in the art of this period a bell can be seen held in the hands of a gana (fig. 403) hovering to the left of Brahmasasta in the Trimurti cave temple at Mamallapuram. Several examples of a bell can also be seen in the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram, where Durga and Siva in His samahara form, is shown holding a bell in one of their hands. Fine example of a bell can be seen held in one of the right hands of Mahishasuramardini in the panel of the cave temple at Mamallapuram.