INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram are a witness to the art patronised by the Pallavas. Interestingly, it is documented in “Carta Cartalana", a 14th century Spanish word map as “Setemelti” referring to “Sette Templi", the obvious reference to the Seven Shore temples, of which only one exists today.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Seven Pagodas refer to the monuments built at Mamallapuram built during the reign of the Pallava kings Narasimhavarman I, Paramesvarman and Narasimhavarman II.

Detailed explanation-3: -According to a myth that has circulated around India and Europe for over 11 centuries, seven temples once stood along Mahabalipuram’s shore. Local legend suggests that the god Indra became jealous of this earthly city and sank it during a great storm, leaving only the Shore Temple above sea level.

Detailed explanation-4: -The seven pagodas or seven temples of Mahabalipuram, around 50 kilometres from Chennai were built by Pallava kings Narasimhavarman I, Paramesvarman and Narasimhavarman II, who ruled during the 7th and 8th centuries.

Detailed explanation-5: -"Seven Pagodas” has served as a nickname for the south Indian city of Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram, since the first European explorers reached it.