Chennai, Dec. 2023
Roughly 340 kilometers from Chennai, one 11th century temple stands as a towering testament to a millennium of history, still dominating the skyline as the tallest and oldest structure in the area. This Friday, History TV18 unravels the little-known history and secrets of the Brihadiswara Temple in ‘India: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple’. In the quaint town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, the Brihadiswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is revered as the ‘Great Living Chola Temple,’ aptly named for its grandeur – literally meaning ‘Lord of the entire Universe’. Constructed in 1003 during the zenith of the Chola Empire, this architectural marvel was completed in a remarkably short span of seven years.
The temple complex, sprawling across 47 acres, features a perfectly aligned array of sacred elements, from the massive Shivling inside to the Nandi statue outside. Intriguingly, the temple holds many mysteries, including a sculpture on the northern facade that appears to depict a European man, centuries before Europeans arrived in India, raising questions about the temple’s far-reaching influences and connections. Brihadiswara’s scale has to be seen to be believed with its Vimana standing as tall as 213 feet. Its 80-tonne Kumbam rests at the top, with no pillars beneath to support it. How did they haul 80 tonnes over 200 feet high and permanently install it up there? Get all the answers as famous author and leading historian William Dalrymple reveals the hidden chapters of history this Friday, 5th January at 9 PM on History TV18.
Each week, the series combines class-leading production values with compelling storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on the hidden treasures of India. Get ready to uncover the mysteries and marvels of a forgotten past, brought to life in this immersive quest. Join us on this journey through India’s rich tapestry of stories every Thursday & Friday at 9 PM on History TV18.
Tune in to watch the new season of ‘India: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple’ every Thursday and Friday at 9 PM, only on HistoryTV18.
