An architectural detail from the Five Rathas (Panch Rathas) complex at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) in India.

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A bas relief representation of a human can be seen riding an elephant. This seventh century complex of monolithic Hindu shrines is named in honour of the heroes of the Mahabharata, the five Pandava brothers. They are fine examples of well-preserved stone artifacts, part of the reason why Mahabalipuram is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site was buried in sand for many centuries, until excavations over the past two hundred years. Stone sculpting lives on in Mahabalipuram, which has numerous workshops. The city, on the Bay of Bengal, was established as the main port of the Pallava dynasty by king Narasimha Varman I, who was known as Mamalla (meaning the Great Wrestler).

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Size: 3413px × 5120px
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Photo credit: © Raj Singh / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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