A Brief History of Mamallapuram

Commonly known as Mahabalipuram, the city is located Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu. It is about 60 Km south from the city Chennai. In ancient times, it was a busy seaport during the time of Periplus. India sea traders at that time, who wanted to sail to South East Asia, sailed through this port. In around 7th century, it was a port city, under the Pallavas Dynasty. The city is related to many historic events. From an Archeological aspect, the city has buried many coins, things, tools and many more stuff that ancient people used around 7th century.

Ancient currency, like Chinese coins and Roman coins of Theodosius I in the 4th century CE have been found buried at Mamallapuram confirming the fact that port was an active point of Trade internationally in the late classical period. The pallava dynasty, was a resident of Mamallapuram, and pallava kings ruled the city for a long time, from Kanchipuram; the capital of the empire from the 3rd century to 9th century CE, and used the port to trade goods, products and other diplomatic or business related missions to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asian countries.

Another name by which Mahabalipuram has been known to sailors, after the Marco Polo’s time is “Seven Pagodas” resembling to the Seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram that stood on the shore, of the bay of Bengal, of which one, the Shore Temple, survives, after the tsunami hit by 13th century. There are many temples in the city, famous of all, are Paanch Rathas, carved on rocks, with high details. They got their name from pandavas, in Mahabhartha. There is also a Lord Vishnu temple, from 108 of the present, named as Thirukadalmallai.

The history of the city is very prestigious and elaborative. You have to visit this city, to purely understand the art forms, sculptures and landmarks. The city holds very rich culture, from the ancient times. I hope you will visit this city, to explore what it is all about.