Archaeological Heritage of Tamil Nadu: Mahabalipuram

Abstract Historians have two major avenues which they take to better understand the ancient world: archaeology and the study of source texts. Primary sources are those sources closest to the origin of the information or idea under study. Primary sources have been distinguished from secondary sources, which often cite, comment on, or build upon primary sources. Archaeological sites are merely the residues of settlements and structures, reduced to rubble and earthworks by decay, erosion, stone-robbing and the invasions of plant and animal life. Mahabalipuram is a monument complex on the Coromendel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in Kancheepuram district of Tamilnadu, India. It is located near Chennai. With approximately forty sanctuaries, including the largest open-air rock relief in the world, Mahabalipuram gained UNESCO World Heritage site distinction in 1984. This complex was built during the period of Pallavas.