The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Conserved knowledge of past, a click away

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Saturday, Nov 15, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Conserved knowledge of past, a click away

Sruthi Krishnan

CHENNAI: For this department, every object conveys a message. It is their job to interpret and preserve. Soon, you will be able to access the knowledge they conserve through the click of a button.

A website of Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department and an exhibition of rock paintings would be launched on November 19, said the Minister of School Education and Archaeology Thangam Thennarasu. Plans are also afoot to conceptualise heritage walks and tours focusing on places of archaeological significance, he said. The Minister met the Department members on Tuesday to discuss ways of promoting awareness among people about archaeology.

The Big Four

Commenting on places of archaeological significance in Tamil Nadu that people could go to, the Minister said, “Start by visiting the Big Four.”

Brahadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is the first, said retired epigraphist Dr. A.Padmavathy, explaining the big four. Built by Raja Raja Chola I, this temple has exquisite paintings, she said.

The next is the temple in Gangaikondacholapuram in Perambalur district. The temple here was built by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his conquest of the North that stretched till the Ganga.

The next place to visit is Darasuram near Kumbakonam. In the temple there, built by Raja Raja Chola II, stories from Periyapuranam are depicted as miniature sculptures, she said.

The last in the Big Four is Tribhuvanam, the place which is popular for its saris too. “The temple here was built by Kulotunga Chola III to commemorate his victory over Pandian country,” she said.

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