Thanjavur — Brihadisvara North Gopura Ancillary
Thanjavur N Gopura
Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)·Multi-period temple culture·🇮🇳 Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur, Brihadisvara, India
About
About Thanjavur — Brihadisvara North Gopura Ancillary
Thanjavur — Brihadisvara North Gopura Ancillary in Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur, Brihadisvara, India is a Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE) temple complex attributed to Multi-period temple culture. Systematic survey and coring document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal enclosure and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions temple 32 m × 18 m; court 45 m × 30 m; area 18.3 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition submerged. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Multi-period temple culture temple-complex with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 40 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Relation to regional network
- 02Construction technique
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape model
- 02Ceremonial centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Multi-period temple culture
- Purpose
- Temple and sanctuary complex
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 846 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1957
Antiquarian record, modern excavation from 1960s
On the ground
Structures & features
10.7800° N · 79.1300° E · 40 m · 4 mapped features
Main Temple Cella
cellaMain Temple Cella at Thanjavur — Brihadisvara North Gopura Ancillary — cella with stratified deposits
10.7803° N · 79.1308° ENorth Court Ancillary
courtNorth Court Ancillary at Thanjavur — Brihadisvara North Gopura Ancillary — court with stratified deposits
10.7798° N · 79.1292° EPylon Gate
pylonPylon Gate at Thanjavur — Brihadisvara North Gopura Ancillary — pylon with stratified deposits
10.7816° N · 79.1316° EAltar Platform
altarAltar Platform at Thanjavur — Brihadisvara North Gopura Ancillary — altar with stratified deposits
10.7817° N · 79.1292° E