![]() Classification of Monuments of South India Monuments of South India are mainly of two types: religious and historical. The religious monuments are indicative of the various places of worship built by the ancient ruling dynasties, mainly temples. Apart from this with later invasions and the advent of the British, other religious constructions also took place in the form of churches and mosques. Historical monuments comprise of the palaces and forts. ![]() Churches, on the other hand, mainly came into being after the coming of Christianity in India. A number of beautiful churches, such as, San Thome Cathedral, St Mary's Church and many more were constructed. St Andrew's Kirk and St George's Cathedral in Chennai, erected in the early 19th century, are two of the finest classical churches in India. Historical Monuments of South India: Chennai in Tamil Nadu was one of the first strongholds of the British in India. In the late 19th century the city developed a reputation for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, based on a highly inventive synthesis of European and local styles. Elsewhere in the south, British architects employing Indo-Saracenic styles were active, notably at Mysore. However, there are a number of palaces of the 16th and 17th centuries which are examples of the Historical Monuments of South India. ![]() • Chandragiri: The 3 storey palace at Chandragiri, built in the early 17th century, is a highly instructive, sophisticated exercise in the blending of the two traditions. The palace has a prominent pyramidal tower, but the arcaded facade is treated with a series of orthodox Muslim arches. • Palace of Tirumalai Nayak: The palace of Tirumalai Nayak at Madurai contains an inner courtyard which is surrounded by massive round granite columns, derived from European sources, above which rise foliated arcades of brick and stucco. • Thanjavur Fort: The palace complex in the fort at Thanjavur was built about 1700.The palace contains a mixture of Hindu iconography, classical detail and an 8 storey tower • Padmanabhapuram Palace: The Padmanabhapuram palace in Kerala built by the Portuguese, contain a fine series of murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epics. It is a distinguished example of secular palace architecture of the period. Monuments of South India are a must-see for tourists looking to understand and appreciate the cultural legacy of India. Untouched by outside influences, the South represents a true picture of ancient Indian civilisation as it existed in the times of kings and sages. |