12th CE Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram Of TN, A Chola Marvel was partly saved By Vijayanagara Rulers After Delhi Sultanate Invasion

12th CE Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, TN,  upload.wikimedia.org

Above image:  Located at Darasuram, a suburb of Kumbakonam city, famous for temples,  the amazing temple, a model  of Chola architecture and design style is  a  UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur, the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram , they are  referred to as the Great Living Chola Temple, Tamil Nadu.  Built by Rajaraja II, it is classified as Karak Koil, since it was designed after chariots - vehicles which were used in processions during festivals..........

Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, TN,  upload.wikimedia.org
image credit. M. Jagadeesan

The Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, a masterpiece of Chola architecture built by Emperor Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE, faced significant damage during the invasions of the Delhi Sultanate in the early 14th century. These invasions, led by Malik Kafur in 1311 CE, were part of Sultan Alauddin Khalji's campaigns to extend his empire into South India. The Chola heartland, including its temples and cities, became targets of plunder and destruction as the invaders sought wealth and to weaken the region's Hindu rulers.  Other temples damaged during this period included Sri Ranganathar temple of Srirangam and Madurai Meenakshi temple (When Pandyas were the rulers). Both temples were restored with considerable efforts  by the Naik rulers of Tamil Nadu and the Vijayanagara rulers. 

The temple, originally part of a sprawling complex with seven courts and streets, suffered extensive damage during this period. The Delhi Sultanate's armies looted the treasures of the temple, desecrated its sanctified spaces, and left much of the complex in ruins. The grandeur of the temple, once surrounded by vibrant urban life in Ayirattali, was reduced to fragments, with only the inner sanctum and parts of the main temple surviving.

The destruction was not isolated. The Chola capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, was also devastated during these invasions, marking a turning point in the decline of the Chola dynasty. Following the raids, the weakened region saw continued conflicts, including further assaults by the Madurai Sultanate, established by secessionists from the Delhi Sultanate.

Chariot with damaged horse Airavatesvara Temple,Darasuram,
TN, upload.wikimedia.or

Despite the widespread damage, the Airavatesvara Temple was later restored in part by the Vijayanagara Empire, which reclaimed the region in the 14th century. Today, the surviving structures of the temple, including its intricately carved pillars and sculptures, stand as a testament to the resilience of Chola architecture and the enduring legacy of South Indian cultural heritage amidst the trials of history.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airavatesvara_Temple

George Michell (2000). Hindu Art and Architecture. Thames & Hudson. ISBN 978-0-500-20337-8.

T. A. Gopinatha Rao (1993). Elements of Hindu iconography. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 978-81-208-0878-2.