In Tamil Nadu, French Artists Paint Shore Temple On Canvas For An Exhibition In Paris

Situated approximately 60 kilometres south of Chennai, Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) is a well-known seaside town that has garnered international attention since its ancient complex of monuments was inducted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. Legend has it that the Pallava dynasty governed Mamallapuram, a prosperous port city, in the 7th and 8th centuries.

They encouraged the construction of intricately carved rock-cut temples and other architectural monuments because they were patrons of the arts and architecture. The intricate details of the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram have often inspired artists who paint them on canvas and now paintings of the temple will soon be showcased in France.

As many as five painters from France, one of them a woman, have chosen Mamallapuram as their destination for portraying them on a canvas which will be displayed in the painting exhibition to be held in Paris in January 2024.

The famous beach temple of Mamallapuram and other ancient symbols are being painted for the Paris exhibition. Visitors at the ancient heritage site can catch glimpses of these 5 French people deep in work, painting the ancient structural memorial. Domestic onlookers are left amazed by the precision and skill of these painters.

The Shore Temple at Mamallapuram has recently become the first Green Energy Archaeological Site in India. The successful implementation of the Green Heritage Project, a collaborative effort overseen by Hand in Hand India (HiH) and Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (Renault Nissan Tech), is the driving force behind this achievement.

The project also attempts to lessen the environmental effects of tourism in the region by erecting the facilities that are required and making use of renewable energy sources. For example, a solar-powered reverse osmosis (RO) plant will supply tourists with safe drinking water. Accompanying this will be three water kiosks where visitors can easily obtain drinkable water. The project also includes empowering the neighbourhood.