Rock cut cave temples of anaimalai and tirupparankundram: An artistic analysis

This research paper seeks to explain about the artistic analysis of rock cut cave temples of Anaimalai and Tirupparnkundram through the primary sources such as South Indian Inscription Vol. XIV, Madurai Mavatta Kalvettukkal Vol. I, Avanam and other secondary sources. This paper covers from the earliest settlement of Jainism in Anaimalai and Tirupparnkundram to 10th century C.E. In these periods the Kings officials made grants and gifts to the Vedic and Non-Vedic religious monuments for construction, renovation and maintenance in the respective places. We came to know that the Pandyas and officials patronized both religions equally up to middle of the 7th century C.E. The Saivism and Vishnavism started to reach its zenith after the decline of the Jainism.