Pallava's played an important role in the evolution of temple building in the start of the century. They initiated a sea change in the construction of temples. The temples which earlier were built of wood and brick moved to more durable form. Black stone/ Granite was identified by them. Initial temple forms started with cave excavations (Mamandur), Monolithic structures seen in Mahalbalipuram.
Then came the giant leap into era of structural temples. In these temples, the raw material - stone could be brought from far off places,...
