Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Tamil Nadu
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu reflects the artistic brilliance of the Pallava dynasty. Dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, these rock-cut and monolithic structures include rathas (chariot-shaped temples), mandapas (rock-cut cave sanctuaries), and the stunning open-air bas-relief known as the "Descent of the Ganges." The Shore Temple, with its intricate carvings dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands as a coastal beacon of South Indian architecture. These monuments exemplify early Dravidian architecture and the cultural vibrancy of ancient Tamil civilization.
