Rathas

Rathas are a set of five monolithic rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) in Tamil Nadu, India. Carved in the 7th century during Pallava rule, they are named after figures from the Mahabharata: Draupadi Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Krishna Ratha, and Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha. The monuments were hewn from a single large granite outcrop and their chariot-like appearance gives them the name rathas, meaning chariots in Sanskrit and Tamil.

Architecturally, the Rathas represent an early stage in South Indian temple design. Each structure rests on a raised plinth and presents a rectangular plan with a front court and pilastered façade. The interiors are relatively small, while the exteriors feature decorative columns, niches, and a stepped, pyramid-like vimana (tower) over the sanctum. The overall form imitates a carved chariot with a temple on its platform, reflecting the Pallavas’ skill in combining rock-cut sculpture with free-standing architectural elements. The work is notable for its precise carving in hard granite and for the ensemble’s role in illustrating the evolution of Dravidian temple architecture.

Significance and legacy: The Rathas are part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1984. They influenced later South Indian temple design and sculpture, and the site remains a major example of early medieval Indian artistry and coastal Pallava culture. Today, the Rathas attract researchers and visitors as a premier source for study of Pallava artistry and early Dravidian architecture.