TAMIL HERITAGE EMBODIED: ‘RAJARAJESVARAM’- AN ICONOGRAPHICAL DECODING OF A SOLITARY PAINTING

தமிழ் பாரம்பரியத்தை வெளிப்படுத்துதல்: ராஜராஜேஸ்வரத்தின் ஒற்றை ஓவியத்தின் ஒரு உருவப்பட பகுப்பாய்வு.

Abstract

The enduring glory of Tamil art and culture, spanning millennia, finds vibrant expression in its diverse artistic traditions. Ancient Tamil kingdoms boast a rich artistic heritage, where literature and painting intertwine to create a vibrant cultural expression. Examining literary evidence from Sangam period texts, the article highlights the prevalence and importance of painting in ancient Tamil society, evidenced by references to diverse painting instances. This research article probes into the rich artistic heritage of Tamil Nadu, focusing on a single, often untouched mural, "Sage Teaching the Disciples," within the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. While the temple's murals are renowned, this study aims to decode the narrative and symbolic elements of this particular painting, situating it within the broader context of Tamil art. Through detailed description and interpretation, the article deciphers the possible essence of the painting.