Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
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Overview
The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu became a cultural World Heritage Site in 1984.
The monuments were built mainly under the Pallava kings Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) and Rajasimha in the 7th–8th centuries.
They include the rathas cut from single rocks, the Shore Temple and the open-air relief called Arjuna's Penance or the Descent of the Ganga.
The site was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1984 and hosted the 2019 India–China informal summit.
Mahabalipuram was a busy Pallava port.
The Shore Temple was built under Rajasimha.
The 2004 tsunami exposed more ruins along the coast.
It is in Chengalpattu district.
Geography and key facts
- Tamil Nadu
- WHS 1984
- Pallava kings
- Rathas; Shore Temple
- Arjuna's Penance
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on Pallava art.
Note for UPSC
Cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed 1984 · 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 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram yet.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Tamil Nadu
- Heritage type
- Cultural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 1984
- Coordinates
- 12.617°N, 80.192°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles (map lesson)
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage (map lesson)
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara (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