"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
This Coffee Table book is our endeavor to bring out the glorious achievements of the Pallava and Chalukya dynasties and their awe-inducing temple constructions which have left an indelible mark on India. Their creations were pioneering structures that each subsequent kingdom, which followed them, learnt and adopted from. From the shores of Mahabalipuram to the great temple town of Kanchi, and from the capital town of Badami to Aihole and Pattadakal, we take you through a picturesque journey of the temples of these two great kingdoms. You will experience the temple architecture, the associated iconography, the inscriptions, the dynastic history and patrons for the different structures through this visual treat.
This is an enthusiastic and joyful writing of a young mind on the most beautiful monuments of the Pallava rulers of Kanchi around 700 CE and also the Chalukyas of Badami at Aihole and Pattadakkal of the same time. Many have written before and many are likely to write in the future. But this is a response of a youth that would kindle the enthusiasm of the readers to read more about them. It is not a cut and paste book but a spontaneous outpouring. Exuberant illustrations supplement the written poetry. Read, enjoy and get immersed in the joy of aesthetics. Dr. R. Nagaswamy
An absolutely fascinating journey into the Pallava-Chalukya period of Indian history with excellent photographs to complement the narrative in the text. This was an extraordinary period of economic and cultural expansion with Indian merchants sailing to far away kingdoms in Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia. The impact of this period can still be seen all over the Indian Ocean Rim. Let me congratulate Gurpreet and Bharath for bringing it alive.Sanjeev Sanyal
Gurpreet Chopra, Bharath
Gurpreet is a finance professional holding an Engineering degree IT and Masters of Finance. She is currently working in the roles pertaining to operations in the Equity Market. She has worked in similar roles for 10 years. She is interested in travel, history, literature and loves exploring various themes relating to Indian culture and its origins. She has always lived in Mumbai, but travels extensively across the country for her cultural pursuits and to experience the mesmerizing ancient temple spaces.
She lives in Mumbai with her family and is on twitter as @gurichopra
Bharath holds an engineering degree from BITS, Pilani and a management degree from IIM, Ahmedabad. He has worked in the automotive, technology, IT services and automotive aftermarket industries for more than 20 years in various capacities and functions. He is interested in travel, history, photography, literature and politics. He regularly travels across the state of Tamil Nadu to capture the ancient living temples of the state.
He lives in Chennai with his wife and is on Twitter as @brakoo
