ACTIVITIES
Author : Prabhu
Grade : GRADE 6
Subject : Tamil
Objective
Preliminary Study on Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar Kovil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Theme
Culture & Heritage
Activity
As a part of their Tamil Language Class Activity on Culture & Heritage, Grade 6 RaKsters embarked upon a Preliminary Study on Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar Kovil (Brihadisvara Temple) by researching various newspaper articles, publications and other literary works on The Big Temple built by The Great Raja Raja Cholan I. Children attempted to draw a replica of the architecture of Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar Kovil famed for the quality of its sculpture and studied on a high level, the temple plan and development which utilizes the axial and symmetrical geometry rules. They also explored further on why it is classified as Perunkoil ( big temple) built on a higher platform of a natural or man-made mounds. Other key facts explored in this preliminary study included: 1) The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world. 2) The Kumbam (the apex structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons. 3) Big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high at the entrance, largest in the country. RaKsters summarized and demonstrated their understanding through display of art, newspaper clippings, pencil sketch and role play. Altogether, this exercise fostered a sense of wonder and deep pride in our culture and heritage in addition to enlightening children on the brilliance in innovation and expertise of ‘The Chola Era’ in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting. This activity coincided with the recent consecration of the 1000+ year old temple which added more curiosity and fervour to the learning process.
