Sculpture of Nayakas of Madurai & Thanjavur

  • The 17th century was a great period of titanic work under the Nayaka of Madurai and Tanjavur.
  • During this period the animal motif with fantastic detail as seen in the outstanding sculpture at Srirangam temple in Trichinapallymay be seen.
  • Though, stylized, this art is full of vitality.
  • A pair of rampant, furious horses whose heads support the pillars, are carved with great skill and vigor. The riders are shown in realistic poses trying to control them. Each sculpture is realistic though the concept is fantastic.

Pillars with Horse rider, Meenakshi Sundareshvara Temple, Madurai,