KANCHIPURAM

INTRODUCTION:

Kanchipuram, is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu in Tondaimandalam region, 72 km

(45 mi) from Chennai – the capital of Tamil Nadu. The city covers an area of
11.605 km2(4.481 sq mi) and had a population of 164,265 in 2001. It is the administrative
headquarters of Kanchipuram District. Kanchipuram is well-connected by road and rail.

Kanchipuram one of the seven holiest cities in India, is losing its cultural and historic
importance. Well known for its multitude of values and Dravidian architectural style
reflected in the temples, the city today has witnessed a tremendous degree of change from
the original character. Studies state that its culture is slowly changing, being altered or
destroyed because of urbanization and metropolitan influence. In the recent years the
emphasis of its culture is being lost and the historic evidences have been disappearing.

Among the countless popular religious cities in Tamilnadu, Kanchipuram is distinctive since
it has the influence of many religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam apart from
Hinduism. Located on the banks of the Vegavathy River it is best known for its temples and
silk saris.
HISTORIC FACTOR:

Temples in India depicts the traditional and cultural growth of a region. Also, South Indian
temples achieved momentous growth during the Pallava and Chola regimes. Temples show
a distinctive evolution since the time of 'puranas' (ancient events). The rulers of different
periods concentrated on constructing these temples to depict their political power and royal
authority. ‘Periya puranam' states that Pallavas were the first to construct stone temples
(Katraligal). Mahendravarma I constructed the first cave temple Mandagapattu near
Villupuram followed by Shore temple Mahabalipuram, Kailasanatha Temple Kanchipuram,
till cave temple in Mahendravadi (Fig.1). According to well known historian and author
Champaka Lakshmi there were neither temples, nor Iconic structures during Vedic period.
Also, in 'Sanga Illakiyam' (literature) there was no mention about stone or rock cut temples.
Prior to Pallava period temples were only constructed with degenerating materials like
brick, lime, wood and metals. It was during the early period of Mahendravarma, who
converted many structures into stone temples which is standing agelessly till date.

Cave temple

Shore temple

Kailasanatha temple
History dating back to centuries states about four independent kingdoms, mentioned in the
Rock Edict No.2 of Emperor Asoka (3rd BC) at Girnar (Gujarat): Chera (Keralaputra), Chola,
Pandya and Satyaputra situated in the south of Mauryan Empire. The Satyaputra is
identified by historians as 'Thondaimandalam' described as 'Kurumbar Nilam' (land of
people who were grazing cattle). Inscriptions state that 'Thondaimandalam' the capital of
Kanchipuram was considered to be the 'neck region' of South India. KarikalaCholan of Pre-
Pallava dynasty (140AD to 430AD) who ruled from 140AD to 190AD established a systematic
administration principles which gave a new look to Kanchi. The temple city was
subsequently ruled by pallavas (435AD to 910 AD), followed by Cholas (127AD to 1326AD),
Vijayanagara (1326AD to 1645AD) and British rulers (1645AD to 1947AD). The city with its
rich history stands as a treasure of heritage and holds a special place in the pride of South
India. Its distinct style of sculptures and pillars, construction techniques, paintings, wall
murals depicted in temples exhibited its historical importance and evolution.

ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE:

1. Kailasanatha temple

Kaillasanatha temple in Shiva Kanchi is the oldest temple among all other temple existing in
Kanchi today. This was built by the Pallava king Rajasimha who developed the form of the
temple structure from the shore temple Mahabalipuram. Standing as an example of
impeccable Pallava Architecture, this temple stands on a stone foundation with sandstone
superstructures. Scripts of Saint Vibhulananda Adigal and the inscriptions in the temple
complex describes the fact that this temple has been constructed based on the dimensions
of the heavenly land - lord of cosmic mountain.

2. Ekambaranadhar temple

Ekambaranathar temple in Kanchi has been in existence from the pre-pallava era around
600 AD. The Architectural style of this temple displays flavours of various dynasties such as
Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas and Vijayanagara kings.
 3. Vaikunta Perumal temple

Vaikunta perumal temple with its historic importance was built in 770 AD by Nandivarman
II. This temple is famous for its Architectural marvel with lion shaped pillars in inner walls.

4. Ulagalanda Perumal temple

Ulagalanda perumal temple was built by Nandivarman III a pallava king between 846 AD
and 869 AD. Inscriptions and the temple construction reveal that Chola kings must have
renovated certain portions of the temple.

5. Varadaraja Perumal temple

Varadharaja perumal temple situated in 'Vishnu Kanchi' belongs to pallava period with
predominant Architectural form of Vijayanagara during 16th century. This temple is
legendary for its dominant sculptural beauty. Figure 9 shows the location of the temples in
Kanchipuram town.
TOWN PLANNING:

Kanchipuram is well known for its planning for more than 2500 years, with its planning,
institutional buildings, temples, temple tanks, rich history, and influence of rulers from
different dynasties. It stands proudly amidst many wars, natural calamities and conveys its
rich cultural and heritage value through various architectural characters, inscriptions and
ancient archaeological remains.

History illustrates that Kanchi was lotus shaped city with a fort wall and a moat all around.
100' wide streets were for temple car and battle fleet to pass by. Drainage facilities for
individual units and for rain water were reflected in location of the Manjalneer Channel
inside the city and moat structure around the city. Denoting the influence of Mughal and
Vijayanagara, some mosques and monuments during their period still exists in the city.
Archaeological survey indicates the presence of Buddha statue in Kamakshi Amman temple
complex demonstrating the influence of Buddhism as mentioned in Manimegalai a great
Tamil epic.

PRESENT SCENARIO:

URBANISATION:

According to Chinese pilgrim Huien Tsang Kanchi was 6 miles in circumference which is
reduced to 5 miles in the present scenario. Inscriptions explain the paddy fields sprawling
from Onakanthanthali to Pillaipalayam would have been extended as busy city space in
ancient times.

Post - Independence based on the expansion of the town geometry started changing. There
was a dramatic change in land use pattern which threatened change in grid layout of the
city. In the era of urbanization and increasing population growth, Kanchipuram is becoming
one of the industrial hub of Tamilnadu and faces biggest challenge to retain its cultural
heritage. With rapid development happening in recent decades, the city has witnessed a
great decline in the quality of its indigenous culture and the settlements around the temple
core and the characters of weaver’s settlement. The unique character and the renowned
heritage structures which were the identity of the city for decades have been losing its
sheen and continue to be neglected. The wider street network lost its significance and
function resulting in narrow streets creating traffic congestion. Heritage zones are not
properly demarcated and started losing its identity with its architectural and religious
grandeur slowly fading out. The cultural importance in and around the temple land was
diluted and seeks attention due to rapid urbanization and tourist population. Conserving
and preserving of temple and its surroundings started gaining importance. Development of
commercial areas along the roads brings down the cultural heritage creating haphazard
growth at the planning level.

CONSERVATION:

Conservation of Urban fabric of Kanchipuram:

Town and country planning, Government of Tamilnadu along with Archeological Survey of
India, have developed heritage plans to define heritage buildings and measures are taken to
conserve and preserve the same. The professional regulators have been taking initiatives to
conserve sections of the heritage but lack a holistic perspective of conservation
management. Eleven temples have been identified by the Department of Archeology in
Kanchipuram district for conservation. Regulations to review the height of newly
constructed management and electricity are also planned with sanctioned funds. Facilities
for tourists and infrastructure for them are also included in the heritage plan. Initiative are
taken for drafting development plans incorporating inventory of city's natural (temple tanks,
Drainage, and other water bodies), cultural, living and built heritage. Therefore conservation
management plans to conserve the city with an interesting historic background needs to be
developed.

INFERENCE:

It's time to consider the quality and holistic approach to revive and retain the values and
advantages of the glorious past in the aspects of town planning. Understand the support
systems, settlement and development pattern and record the same which acts as a
reference for growth and development of the heritage cities. In present scenario the
relationship between the new and the old need to be studied profoundly and develop a
heritage development plan which can cater the growing needs of Kanchi city embracing its
opulent architectural components.