Ponniyin Selvan Varalaatru Peravai

There are many historians who write history as an amalgamation of
imagination and theory. But there are few who dedicate their lives
for research and come out with original information and who do
invaluable contribution to the subject.
Dr.SRB was such a great scholar whose contributions to the field of
south Indian history stand unparallel to all other works. His field
of study was chola temples and he devoted a lifetime for
understanding them.
His monumental works came in 4 parts:
- Four chola temples
- Early chola art
- Middle chola temples
- Later chola temples

He also wrote many other works – but these three volumes, which
contain much of original field research, stand out in their own might.

Dr.SRB did not assume anything and was – in almost all occasions –
able to uncover new epigraphs which were left out or ignored by govt.
epigraphists. Also, with his intense knowledge – he was able to date
each temple accurately.

To date a temple is not easy. For example, if we find a Rajaraja
inscription in a particular temple, all it means that it existed
during his time and before. It cannot be assumed that it came into
existence during his time. Dr.SRB used many theories – the structure
of the temple, the vattelutthu inscriptions employed in early
(Vijayalaya - Aditya chola) times and many other means to accurately
date a temple.

I can give many examples to this. For ex., we find that only
Naarthamalai Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple is considered to be very
old – belonging to vijayalaya time – but SRB included atleast 6 to 10
temples to this period.

When we read his works, we are amazed at the accuracy and fineness
with which he approached the subject. He did not spare a single slab
of stone or a single sculpture on the top of the vimana – however
difficult the access may be.

It is a vain attempt on my part even to portray even a tinge of this
great genius. His works speak for themselves and will do better
justification to this task.

Having spent nearly 40+ years in chola temple study, it is no wonder
that he had to comeout with a magnum opus on Raajarajeswaram(Tanjore
big temple). But this dream was to be fulfilled by his eminent son
B.Venkataraman – who authored "RAAJARAJESWARAM – THE PINNACLE OF
CHOLA ART" which unfortunately breathed to life after Dr.SRB's
passing away. (This is published by Mudgala trust and I will provide
the address of this author for Chennai guys to follow up.)

Probably (s the author puts it) – it was the will of destiny : For
the book came out on 1985 – exactly after a 1000 years of Raajaraja's
cornation.

Historians and their works come and go. But Dr.SRB's works will stand
the test of time – much like the timeless chola sculptures, which was
so dear to his heart.