Essay name: The Sculptures of Madan-Kamdev (Study)
Author:
Kamal Nayan Patowary
Affiliation: Gauhati University / Department of History
The essay critically studies the Sculptures of Madan-Kamdev: an archaeological site in Baihata Chariali, Kamrup, Assam (India) dating back to the 9th century A.D. The site features elegant sculptures in relief and round forms which are documented in Sanskrit texts like the Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra.
Chapter 2 - Madan-Kamdev through the ages鈥擜 hypothetical analysis
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ultimately the Hoihoya king Gangeya Deva, Ratnapala tactfully
entered into friendly relation with the Deccan kings, got his son Purandara
Pala married to the Hoihoya princes Durlabha and recruited a large number
of architects and sculptors from Tanjore, Mysore and Travancore and made
44 them settle in the country. How much authenticity is there in his
proposition is yet to be ascertained, but still the discovery of large
number of Surya sculptures of south Indian type certainly have
instituted a new weightage to his proposition and at the same
time, also increase the scope for the involvement of Ratnapala and
his recruits in the construction of this mighty temple complex of
our concern.
B) At Some Other Social Opportunities:
Apart from the contribution of these great royal
personals or the royal houses, there were some other social
opportunities in the Kamrupi society which seems to have played
some role in the development of this majestic temple complex at
Madan-Kamdeva. While trying to explain this proposition, the first
point which came to our mind is that from the ritualistic point of
view the site of a temple is a Tirtha wherever it is situated.45 From the
time immemorial these religious centre or pilgrimage place have
played a vital role in the development or growth of a city as well as
a kingdom. As for example, the famous temple of goddess
Kamakhya was the epicentre of our own ancient kingdom
Kamrupa and the country had enjoyed an extension of hundred
Yojanas around this temple in all directions. 46 Similarly, the city
44. Ibid.
45.
46.
Kramrisch, S.: The Hindu Temple,Vol.I, (1946), 1996, p.5.
Das, H.P. Geography of Assam, 1970, p.7.
