The Pancha Rathas, also known as the Pandav Rathas of Mahabalipuram, were built in Tamil Nadu, India, in the late 7th century AD.
A fine example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture, the structures are like no other in the history of Indian architecture. An innovation of Narsimhavarman-I, the five monuments in the complex resemble chariots that have been carved out from single large pieces of granite.
Amazing Fact: Often mistaken for temples, the ‘Rathas’ were never sanctified because they were left incomplete after the death of Narsimhavarman-I.
Mahabalipuram Rathas
