Skip to main content
Service phase: Beta

This is a new way to search our records, which we're still working on. Alternatively you can search our existing catalogue, Discovery.

Item

Madura. The Great Pagoda [Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple]. Carved pillar in the Thousand...

Catalogue reference: Photo 212/2(13)

What’s it about?

This record is about the Madura. The Great Pagoda [Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple]. Carved pillar in the Thousand... dating from 1867-1868.

Is it available online?

Maybe, but not on The National Archives website. This record is held at British Library: Asian and African Studies.

Can I see it in person?

Not at The National Archives, but you may be able to view it in person at British Library: Asian and African Studies.

Full description and record details

Reference

Photo 212/2(13)

Title

Madura. The Great Pagoda [Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple]. Carved pillar in the Thousand Pillar Portico [Airakkal Mandapa]. Photographer: Lyon, Edmund David.

Date

1867-1868

Description

Genre: Architectural Photography. Close view of the upper portion of a pillar, carved above the capital in the form of a dancing man, in the Airakkal Mandapa of the Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple. Lyon's 'Notes to cccompany a series of photographs prepared to illustrate the ancient architecture of southern India' (Marion and Co., London, 1870), edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description of this photograph: '303 -is a Man of the same caste [as print 12], dancing and playing on a Vina or Hindu lute. This is one of the most remarkable sculptures of the place, whether as regards freedom of action, or sharpness of outline and execution. In its present state it is also tolerably free from whitewash, or the vulgar painting which has been applied to the pillar to which the figure is attached.' Another copy at Photo 1000/29(2953).

Related material

Original negative held.

Held by
British Library: Asian and African Studies
Former department reference

303

Language

Not applicable

Physical description

1 item

Access conditions

Unrestricted. Appointment Required to view these records. Please consult Asian and African Studies Print Room staff.

Physical condition

Dimensions: 278 mm x 109 mm. Format: Bound in Volume. Secondary Support: Card.

Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/11596c1d-1557-49a7-86ab-30f2ae089e81/

Catalogue hierarchy

963,091 records
146,212 records

Within the fonds: Photo

British Library Photo Collection

290 records

Within the sub-fonds: Photo 212

Photographs to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India (in 7 volumes)....

41 records

Within the file: Photo 212/2

Lyon Collection: Photographs to Illustrate the Ancient Architecture of Southern India,...

You are currently looking at the item: Photo 212/2(13)

Madura. The Great Pagoda [Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple]. Carved pillar in the Thousand Pillar Portico [Airakkal Mandapa]. Photographer: Lyon, Edmund David.