Mahabalipuram: Unfinished Poetry in Stone - Book Review

It’s my 100th post and I’m overjoyed with more than 30000 hits so far and 129 followers. Thank you guys. Your support has been tremendous. Thank you all.
I’m dedicating this post to Prof. Swaminathan, who has been my mentor always when it comes to Indian heritage. So, here we go.

What happens when to Titans clash? Ok, forget it. We’ve already seen so much of it. Now, for a change what happen when the titans shake their hands. Any guesses… Come on… Try…. Ok, lemme tell you – A Coffee Table Book is created. Well, did you see that coming???

When and where did you see a coffee table book last – on a coffee table in a coffee shop, ofcourse!!! Ok, what was the book about – The National Geographic’s photos of the century, A big fat Indian wedding, Life of SRK or Brangelina??? Ok, anything about any culture or tradition??? Here comes the ultimate coffee table book on India esp. the most fabulous icon of Indian culture and heritage – Mahabs as I call it dearly, Mahabalipuram, as called properly.

Presenting before you,
MAHABALIPURAM
Unfinished Poetry in Stone
 
Swaminathan - Unfinished Poetry in Stone - Book Review
 
WHO IS Prof. S. SWAMINATHAN?
So, introducing the titans first. Prof. S. Swaminathan. My mentor in my interest and passion for the Indian cultural and architectural heritage.
He’s one of the most interesting persons I’ve ever met in my life. Born in 1940, now a retired professor of Mechanical engineering in IIT Delhi, he has got this never ending love on Indian heritage. I can talk to him about Indian history, ancient architecture, music, dance, literature, languages, and my favorite topic textiles. His knowledge is vast to keep you so engrossed in the conversation. More important than his knowledge is his charming, lovable nature. I never feel intimidated talking to him. Many a times, it’s so intimidating to talk to some wise people, that they just snap you down at your ignorance. Its never the case with him. To talk to him, I did not require knowledge, all I required was the interest. Inspite of his seniority, he’s not just my mentor, he’s my friend. He is the author of this book.

WHO IS ASHOK KRISHNASWAMY?
It was only through Prof. Swaminathan, I met Mr.Ashok Krishnaswamy. A fabulous maestro with his photographic skills. What Beethoven did with his piano, is what exactly what Ashok does with his camera – Creating everlasting, immortal masterpieces. He is the photographer of this book.

MAHABALIPURAM - UNFINISHED POETRY IN STONE
So, the titans shook the hands and you really cannot expect anything lesser than the best. Though this book is essentially about Mahabalipuram, it browses through several of the Pallava and Pandya architectures and sculptures scattered all over Tamil Nadu right from Kanchi Kailasanathar, Tanjore Brahadeeswara, Trichy cave temples, to Mamandur cave temples etc. This book also browses through the Pallavas, Pandyas, Mutharaiyars etc who all ruled the southern region of India and gave us all those impeccable pieces of art, architecture and sculptures to us.
What would have been the mentality of the Stapathi (sculptor) while he did masterpieces of Mahabalipuram? Why did Narasimha Varma Pallava start out with the granite? Why this location? How big exactly is the physical area of Mahabalipuram complex? How far and wide did the Pallavas venture? What’s the designers’ perspective, the classisicm, the composition, the styling, the posture, the size and shape? What’s the historical perspective? What else other than bas reliefs and sculptures? What are the various Granthams (Scripts)? What does each and every character in the Great Arjuna/Bhagiratha Tapas Panel say? – Several such questions answered and several more doubts raised!!!!!
 
Swaminathan - Unfinished Poetry in Stone - Book Review

Swaminathan - Unfinished Poetry in Stone - Book Review
 
ART APPRECIATION AT MAHABALIPURAM:
To appreciate their art, we’ve gotta relate to it first. One I tried my hand in making wooden sculpture once. Not complicated, just a simple piece of contemporary art. It was fabulously difficult inspite of having a few machines to smoothen the surfaces etc. I completed the sculpture with a chipped off portion!!! I can actually imagine, how hard it would have been to sculpt with hard wood and granite is just mind boggling!!!

MYSTERY OF MAHABALIPURAM:
Where do you think, the detailing of my Mahabs came from? It was all the knowledge shared by my professor. I was always awe-inspired looking at the sculptural marvel of Mahabalipuram. But it was Sir who got into the details and explained me so many things about it. After his explanations, I was all the more awe-inspired. I’d say, I was always wide eyed looking at Mahabs and after his inputs I was jaw dropped as well…

I’m sure this book would help many to view Mahabalipuram as more than just a picnic or a school excursion spot. It’s a standing evidence of our ancient history, language, textiles, ornaments, devotion, and sense of classicism! Yes, we attained classicism in the 7th C AD. It’s not the renaissance of Indian architecture; I’d rather call it the French Renaissance as the Pallavism of France!!!
This is just a trailer. You’ve gotta buy the book to relish and enjoy every frame of the Mahendra overture oér a cuppa café!!! The book was sponsored by Marg Swarnabhoomi. It is published by Arkey Graphics. Its available in all leading stores throughout India. You may also buy your copy here - Dial For Books (I'm NOT an affiliate).

Credits: Photos and some terminologies are from the book reviewed.

Here are my previous posts on the topics discussed here.

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

18 comments:

  1. Happy New Year. Good post from you as usual and many congratulations on your 100th Blog! All the best!

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  2. wow.. congrats da busha.. its not an easy job to write around 100 travel articles. I appreciate your dedication my dear. Keep Going. I m expecting the printed version of your Travelogue soon.:) I ll be the first one to buy it. All the best da.

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  3. A Century with greatest shots; an amalgam of sincerely occupying words/sentences and captures through the eyes of your camera :)
    More than everything else, your pleasant nature in addressing the visitors, have kept them interested through this "100"

    If you gonna publish a book, kindly inform me prior :)

    This post too "ROCKINGGGGGGGGGGGGGG"

    Carry on, reach the sky, if it is the limit!!!

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  4. what a cool way to honor your mentor and some fascinating info on the book...particularly the poetry...

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  5. Nice review busha... and what a coincidence...!!

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

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  6. Congratulations on ur 100th post...and wishing you many more :)

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  7. Hello,

    Congratulations for reaching the 100th milestone in your blogging adventure.You have indeed done a fascinating blogging work and gave us so much information about the history,sculpture,tradition and the wonderful places of interest in incredible India.I saw many places because of your daring adventures.Your photos supplemented beautifully your excellent writing and gave me the visual treat.

    It was interesting to read about your mentor and your glowing tributes to him.

    I have visited Mahabalipuram a few times when I was in school.I remember taking a photo standing next to a huge rock standing very precariously on a slope and appeared it would roll any moment.I wonder if that rock is still there perched precariously on the slope.

    Wish you more and more success.I suppose there are still higher peaks to climb.
    Joseph

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  8. Poetry in stone! The name says it all and it's beautiful!

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  9. Wonderful post. Mahabalipuram is a nice place and every corner has something new to offer.

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  10. நூà®±ாவது பதிவுக்கு வாà®´்த்துக்கள். பதிவுலகில் தொடர்ந்து சாதிக்க வாà®´்த்துக்கள்.

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  11. @All,
    Thank you all for your kind appreciation and wishes on my 100th post!!! Its all your inspiring comments and appreciations that keep my blog alive!!! Thank you all!!!!!

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  12. Congrats on your 100th! Look forward to seeing 1000th.. ;)

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  13. @GMG,
    That's so encouraging of you.. Thanks sweet heart!!! :)

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  14. Very beautiful photos!Have a nice weekend. The place looking amazing...mahabalipuram is very famous place for indian history

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