- An artistic movement of great importance flourished under the aegis of the Pallava rulers of Kanchi
- Some of the outstanding sculptures that are credited to their patronage are the Mahishasurmardini in relief, Girigovardhana panel, Arjuna’s penanceor the Descent of the Ganga, Trivikrama Vishnu, Gajalakshmi and Anatasayanam.
- In the annals of Indian art, there is perhaps a no better example of the representation of the Elephant than that in the Arjuna’s penance scene. The celestial world, the temporal world as well as the animal world has been shown with masterly skill.
- In all these examples the vigor of the composition is unique. The Pallava style concerns itself with a tall and slender physiognomical form.
- The thin and elongated limbs emphasize the tallness of the figure.
- The female figures are much lighter in appearance, with their slender waists, narrow chests and shoulders, smaller breasts, sparse ornaments and garments and generally submissive attitude. The figure sculpture of the Pallavas is natural in pose and modeling.
- A great masterpiece is the carving from Mahabalipuram showing the great goddess Durga engaged in a fierce battle with the buffalo headed demon aided by their respective armies. Riding on her lion she is rushing at the powerful demon with great courage. He is moving away, yet watching for a moment to attack.
- Later Pallava sculpture shows greater details of workmanship, lighter anatomy and more developed artistic finishing.