Great Living Chola Temples
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Overview
The Great Living Chola Temples, a cultural World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu since 1987, are the Brihadeeswara, the Gangaikondacholapuram temple and the Airavatesvara at Darasuram.
The site groups the Brihadeeswara temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I, the Gangaikondacholapuram temple of Rajendra I and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram.
Thanjavur was inscribed in 1987 and the other two were added in 2004.
The tall vimana of the Thanjavur temple is a peak of the Dravida style.
The temples are in Thanjavur and Ariyalur districts.
Rajaraja I completed Brihadeeswara in 1010 CE.
Chola bronzes are linked to these temples.
The temples are still in active worship.
Geography and key facts
- Tamil Nadu
- World Heritage Site, 1987
- Three temples
- Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, Darasuram
- 1987; extended 2004
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on Chola architecture.
Note for UPSC
Cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed 1987 · Tamil Nadu.
UPSC asks about the state, the dynasty or period, and whether a site is cultural or natural.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Great Living Chola Temples yet.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Tamil Nadu
- Heritage type
- Cultural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 1987
- Coordinates
- 10.783°N, 79.132°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- South Indian Kingdoms: Pallavas, Chalukyas and the Imperial Cholas
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles (map lesson)
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage (map lesson)
- Indo-Islamic, Mughal and Colonial Architecture (map lesson)
- Mughal Culture: Architecture, Painting, Literature and Music (map lesson)
More world heritage sites nearby
Other places in Tamil Nadu
All world heritage sites · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs