A close look at the panel of Episodes from Sundarar's Life

The Tamil Heritage Group
is proud to present on the second talk on the
The Chola Paintings in the Brihadisvara Temple in Tanjavur:
In appreciation of Chola mural: A close look at the panel of Episodes from Sundarar's Life
By Thiru PS Sriraman (ASI)
On 6-6-09 (Saturday) at 5 PM
at Vinobha Hall, Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya Campus,
58, Veankatanarayana Road, T. Nagar, Chennai - 600017
The talk would be for about 60 minutes.
You and your friends are cordially invited.

Synopsis
In appreciation of Chola mural: A close look at the panel of Episodes from Sundarar's Life
This lecture will closely look at a panel which must have been cherished by the king himself. The choice reflects the desire of the king to be treated on par with Sundarar who is the cherished friend of the God. Even otherwise this panel throws out a plethora of information on the contemporary life. We will be looking cl0sely at this panel.
The earlier talk on 2-5-09, titled, In appreciation of Chola murals - Commingling of emotions was well attended and appreciated. The substance of the talk was:
Calambur Siavaramamurthi, succinctly captures the greatness of the Chola murals. “If expression has to be taken as the criterion, by which a great art has to be judged, it is here in abundance in these Chola paintings..". If Chola art is to be accepted as a great work of art, it needs to be seen by all. How many of us had the privilege to be allowed into the dark circumambulatory passage around the sanctum of the Brihadisvara temple, where the paintings are found? Perhaps very few. Of course, all could not be allowed in there due to paucity of space and delicate condition of the murals. Therefore, ASI launched a documentation project to photograph these murals so that exact photographic reproductions can be kept on view. The task turned out to be a tough one with many challenges to surmount. This presentation will highlight how the task was accomplished and how now we are in a position to realise Sivaramaurthi's words are true.
About the speaker:
Thiru Sriraman has a post-graduation in Ancient History and Archaeology and a PG Diploma in Archaeology, and is presently an Assistant Superintending Archaeologist with the Archaeological Survey of India. He has rich experience in his field. He has conducted several excavations at Banahalli, a proto-historic site in Karnataka, Gingee, a medieval site and Mahabalipuram, an early historical site. He has explored several regions in Karnataka and Tamilnadu leading to the discoveries of several important archaeological sites. He was instrumental in the reorganization of the sites museum at Lothal, a Harappa Civilization site, the Fort Museum, Fort St George Chennai including the new gallery on Prints.
He has conceived, designed and organised the Interpretation Centre at the Brihadisvara temple, Tanjavur and conceived, co-ordinated the Documentation of Chola Murals at Brihadisvara temple at Tanjavur and the Surface features at Kailasanatha temple, Kanchipuram.
Thiru Sriraman has published a number research papers in reputed journals, has designed and conceived several brochures and handouts for monuments of South India and is currently enganed in writing a book on Chola murals.

RSVP: A. Annamalai: Gandhi Study Centre - gandhicentre@gmail.com; 94441-83198; Badri Seshadri: Kizhakku-p-padippakam - badri@nhm.in; 98840-66566; TK Tamachandran, IAS : TN Slum Clearance Board - tkramachandranias@hotmail.com; 99406-41144; S. Kannan: Bank of Baroda - 2498 5836; S. Swaminathan: Marg Constructions - sswami99@gmail.com; 2461 1265