I took it from PS photos section, after talking to Pavithra. And that photo was taken by our Sridhar. There was also a discussion abt that a few months ago.
anpudan, Mathy
> > http://www.fotolog.net/mathyk > > Might be of interest. > > luv and luv only, > S.Karthikeyan, > Jr. Software Development Engineer, > Dell Inc. > > - The Oracle.
Dr.Kalaikkovan and Ms. Nalini opined they do not belong to the original version of 10th century. During Naiks' period, Sudhai covering was made and this was one of the add-ons.
Dr.Kudavoil Balu (of Saraswathi Mahal - Thanjai) confirms that there is an inscrption that Rajaraja woven the Vimanam roof with golden- sheets - Porkoil - like Chidambaram!.
He confirms that Rajarajeswaram is depicting "Aakasalingam" (in 3-D effect)- like Chidambaram (which depicts in 2 D effect) - Source: Maamannan Rajarajan eduppitha Thanjai Shree Rajarajswaram - Published by Sreeman. C.Babaji Raja Bonsle Chathrpathy., B.E., Crown Prince, Thanjai Palace )
If this is true, it was probably removed during Malikkapur invasion and Naiks took the initiative to cover the damaged Vimanam with Sudhai with contemporary add-ons!
> If this is true, it was probably removed during Malikkapur invasion > and Naiks took the initiative to cover the damaged Vimanam with > Sudhai with contemporary add-ons! > > Regards. SB >
There should have been some reason to have a foreigner's bust in such an important temple right? I guess it cannot be just a contemporary theme.
There is an interesting incident based on this icon.
One day, Mr.Rafeal conducted an essay contest in SRC Trichy, based on the sculptures in Rajarajeswaram. Each student have to explain about one icon. One of the students (dont want to mention her name) took this piece. She asked Dr.Kalaikkovan for details and kalaikkovan said that he didn't have much idea about that. Then she called Mr.Kudavoil Balu. He said that this piece was placed by one of the nayak kings and the person was a messenger came to him on behalf of East india company to get permission for having trade centres around thanjavur. He said that there is an inscription supporting this. That student wrote this as if she had found out and got first prize also. Dr.Kalaikkovan came to know about this and he asked Balu for the SII index number of that inscription and he hasn't received it till today.
And Kalaikkovan's question is, 'Why should the king place the sculpture of a MESSENGER in the gopuram? He is not a C-in-C, Governor or any higher official. He is of no use to the king.'
So, as of now, there are no strong evidences which state who that foreigner is.
No doubt we all have great respect to Dr. Kalaikkovan and his team for their meticulous working. Kudavoil has also have long and consistant exposure and proximity to very good materialis. He and Dr. Nagaswamy found Udayalur insciptions. Recently he found Kandiyur Pallippadais. According to him, The Nandhipuram mentioned by Kalki is not the Nandhipuram near Pazhayarai (or Kudanthai) but it is Thirukkandiur - near Thiruvaiyaru - about 12 KMs north of Tanjai. He says Sundara Chola's Pon Maligai was in this Nandhipuram and not in Kancheepuram. According to him, a detailed study was carried out in Cambridge - Oriental Studies - and they fully agreed with his view. He is evidencing an engraving of Srivilliputhur and taking lead from .. imagine of all the Kings .. Maravarman Sundara Pandiyan's Meykeerthi!!
I feel we should meet Kudavoil and Dr.Thiagarajan once and discuss before airing our views.