"Setta varalaaru"? If that's the case, Egypt and Greece have an even more "setta varalaaru" (not to mention Rome). At least our culture is continuous for thousands of years
My reasons would be many, but I'll give you a few right now (in no particular order)...
*) Those piles of stones so artistically and aesthetically put together and carved; isn't it fascinating to know who did it and why? *) What they did, and didn't do is part of history. Those who don't study history WILL repeat it. Therefore it is a matter of self-preservation to study history, and especially the history of the place we live in. For example, it was only by studying Kallanai that the British were able to maintain, expand and improve on the irrigation system of the Delta. Similarly, our system of aeris, kuttais, kulams and the like, one leading into the other is still an important part of the landscape. To preserve our way of life, we must study the past. *) Losing our heritage, like so many other countries have, will lead to us becoming carbon copies of other countries, with cultures that don't fit the landscape. Do we really want that? *) Ancestor worship is the oldest human religion. We're just carrying it a little further and with a little more knowledge! ;)
I'd sum up this way: We have something unique, which many peoples have lost, and are now desperately searching for. We've already lost a lot of what we had, and that's natural. But do we want to lose it all, and then search like everyone else?
i think the broader question is also - did kalki create a larger than life image for say a Raja Raja or Mahendra pallava or Narasimha Pallava - are we in awe of them as we are impacted by his writing. How do common people, men on the road,visitors to tanjore big temple or someone who sees a chola bronze in a museum - or visitor to mallai. What emotions are evoked in them. Is there a thirst kindered among these people to find out more about the creators of these or do they just see and leave.
A good question, but you might very well know the answer. The common man on the road has least idea about who RRC is or what is what, forget history.
In decemeber end, I visited the chennai tourism and industrial exhibition in 'theevu thidal'. By Mr.Irayanbu IAS' direction, the set at the tourism dept. was great (mallai replica).
Also there was a good replica of tanjai big temple at a stage where culturals are performed. One group of people (looked like villagers) passed by me near the tanjai replica stage and I heard one saying ' this is mahabalipuram koil. I know very well because I visit that place quite often'.
do you mean to say that common man realises the similarity in structures of maamallapuram and tanjavur big temple and feels that tanjai periya koil architecture is derived from maamallapuram..
appo nalla vishayam dhaane ppa.. tamizh samoogam is always "arivu saarndha samooham" ngradhu proved here (tamil society has always been an intellectual oriented one)...
During my thevara sthalam visits, in Vadugur ( Villupuram Pondy road) an old temple guardwho guided me in the temple , explained me that that temple tower is also a replica of tanjore tower. That time my intrest was more on religion and i did not know that need to collect more info on history.
Simillarly in Panayapuram ( Puravar panamkattur. ie in the bypass towards panruti brnching from GST) the ambal gopuram wasexplained to me in the same manner by that temple watch manas a big temple replica.
The older generation had lot of information and we are loosing them. Next time when you are going that side include these temples in your research. I could not add much on this but passing you the oral tradition to explore.
Please dont sir me. vj is perfectly fine. Its very important to note here - the Vimanam and gopuram differences. This also follows the need to document these beauties. With todays technology ( digital cameras n practically nil cost for sharing across the net) - its very well within us to do so. Most of us take photos infront of these monuments, it just takes a few more seconds to take it without posing in front as well - maybe a few good angles to more clearly bring out the beauty - a few props to show the sense of size proportion. If only each one of us, do this - we can easily build an online catalogue in a short span
Hello Friends, In order to save our history from becoming a "setha" history, we need to educate our children and grand children. We have to create the interest early enough. Perhaps someone gifted should start writting a children's book about our history. We got plenty of true incidents to write about...
PAVITHRA SRINIVASAN one of the earliest members (since 2002) in our Group is already writing such works for the children - through Chandamama publications.
Anto peter of tamilheritage group (office at 117 Nelson Manickam Rd, Chennai)- through his visual communication company - has brought out several CDs in this regard - meant for children.
I purchased some in the Book fair last month dear Chris paulraj.