Kotravai sculpture from Pallava period unearthed near Ulundurpet

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated17/02/2024

A team of archaeological researchers has discovered an eighth-century Kotravai sculpture, an artefact that dates back to the Pallava period, near Ulundurpet.

“Kotravai sculpture is made in a slab stone of five-feet height and four-feet width.
The idol is depicted with eight hands, indicating its origin in the eighth century during the Pallava period.
“The sculpture depicts various elements such as chakkara, sword, bell, and abhaya mudra in the right hands.
Conch, bow, shield, and Uru Mudhra are shown in the left side hands along with bangles in all hands

The Pallava dynasty existed from 275 CE to 897 CE, ruling a substantial portion of the Deccan, also known as Tondaimandalam.
Pallava power expanded beyond their original heartland, and they came into conflict with other dynasties, particularly the Chalukyas and Cholas.

The Pallava rulers made significant contributions to the fields of art, architecture, and literature.
Simhavarman I (c. 275 – 300 CE): Simhavarman I is considered one of the earliest known Pallava rulers. He is credited with laying the foundation for the dynasty’s rule in the region.
Mahendravarman I (c. 600 – 630 CE): Mahendravarman I was a notable Pallava king known for his patronage of the arts and literature.
He was a prolific poet himself and is believed to have authored the Sanskrit play “Mattavilasa Prahasana.” He was a follower of Jainism but later embraced Shaivism.
Narasimhavarman I (c. 630 – 668 CE): Also known as Mamalla, Narasimhavarman I was one of the most famous Pallava rulers.
He is best known for his military campaigns and his patronage of art and architecture. He is credited with the construction of the famous Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nandivarman II (c. 731 – 796 CE): Nandivarman II was another Pallava king who made significant contributions to art and architecture.
He is known for his patronage of rock-cut temples, including the Mandagapattu and Trichinopoly rock-cut temples.
Nandivarman III (c. 850 – 869 CE): Nandivarman III was one of the later Pallava rulers.
His reign also witnessed the continuing decline of the Pallava dynasty as the Cholas expanded their influence in the region.