Sculpted Stones

Part of Tulika's 'Looking at art' series, 'Sculpted Stones - Mysteries of Mamallapuram' is an educator-led interactive engagement with ancient sculptural art.

On the coast of Tamil Nadu, lies a small town that centuries ago must have been filled with the sounds of hammering and chiselling on stone - Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. From a relief panel the size of a basketball court to cave temples and monoliths, it showcases sculptural art of an astounding level of skill and a profusion of styles that is rare to find in one location.