Mamallapuram is in the news globally due to the impending summit of the Indian Prime Minister with the Chinese premier during October 11-12, 2019. Situated on the east coast around 60 kilometres south of Chennai, this ancient town has a rich history dating back to the 1^st century BC. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is a major tourist attraction in the state of Tamil Nadu in India.

Mamallapuram was a major seaport during the first millennium CE and the region thrived during the reign of the Pallavas. It was founded by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I during the 7^th century AD. The name of the town itself is perhaps derived from “Mamallan”, meaning a great warrior, a reference to Narasimhavarman I. It was ruled by the Pallava kings from Kanchipuram, the capital of their kingdom, from the 3^rd to the 9^th centuries AD. They used the port as a major trading centre with Sri Lanka and South-East Asia. The port was also an active hub of global trade during this period as Chinese and Roman coins from the 4^th century AD have been found at this place.

The town was also known by several other names during ancient times, such as Mamallapatinam and Mahabalipuram. The ancient town had seven pagodas on the shore, of which only one, known as the Shore Temple, now survives. Due to these seven pagodas, the town was also known as The Seven Pagodas to the ancient mariners.  

The temples at Mamallapuram depict events mainly from the Indian epic Mahabharata and were built largely during the reign of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman. There are 32 monuments in the town spread over an area of around four square kilometres. The major monuments include rathas or temples in the form of chariots, mandapas or cave sanctuaries, massive open-air rock reliefs such as the Descent of the Ganges, and the famous 7^th century Shore Temple dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.  

The Chinese Connection

Mamallapuram also has a significant historical connection with China. The port was a major trading hub with China, Sri Lanka and South-East Asian countries. The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang is said to have visited the town. It is also believed that Bodhidharma, a famous Buddhist Monk in China, was a son of a Pallava king who travelled to China from Mamallapuram in the 6^th century AD.

With its rich history and historical connections with China, Mamallapuram is the most appropriate place for a historic summit between the leaders of the two most populous nations and emerging superpowers in the world.

Source of the Photograph: http://www.traveltriangle.com

(The author is a senior IAS officer in Tamil Nadu and is currently working as the Principal Secretary, MSME Department. The views are personal).