Temple Destruction: Mughals, British, and Beyond in the Tamil Region
The rich history of Tamil Nadu is not just marked by its extensive cultural heritage, but also by the numerous external invasions that altered its landscape, including the destruction of temples. The Persian and European invasions, particularly by the Mughals and the British, played significant roles in the destruction and rebuilding of temples in the region. This article delves into the history of these invasions and the resilience of the Tamil temples.
Major Persian Invasions: 1318 and Beyond
The Persian invasions in Tamil Nadu, particularly in 1318 under Malik Kapur, were devastating, with 14,000 Vaishnava devotees killed in the battle of Sri Rangam. The emergence of the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire, formed by erstwhile defeated Kakatiya Empire commanders, brought about a significant turning point. From the present-day Hampi, Karnataka, this empire managed to defeat the Sultanate and restore Madurai back to the Pandya dynasty. It is interesting to note that the Vijayanagara Empire not only ended the Sultan's rule but also rebuilt and expanded many temples, including those in Sri Rangam and Madurai, through its feudatories at Chenji, Thanjavur, and Madurai.
Survival and Resilience: 300 Years of Vigor
The Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled from the west coast to the east coast of India for several hundred years, laid a strong foundation of defense and resilience. However, with the defeat in the Talikotta war in 1547, the empire nearly collapsed. Nevertheless, it managed to survive till 1660, with its feudatories surviving independently until 1757 in Madurai, and the 72 Madurai Polygars and Kandy surviving till 1810. Only intense British military campaigns over a decade finally brought Madurai under their control.
European Invasions and Colonial Rule
The arrival of European powers, such as the Portuguese, French, British, Dutch, and the Marathas, brought another wave of invasions and looting. The Portuguese initially planned to loot Tirupati Temple but were thwarted by the presence of Aliya Rama Raya's massive army. This highlights the fortification and defense mechanisms put in place by the local rulers to protect their temples. During the British period, the phenomenon of fortifying and defending temples became even more prominent. For example, the Thiruchendur temple, which was invaded by the Dutch in the 17th century, was fortified, looted, set on fire, and the idol was taken to Sri Lanka. It was only recovered by the Thirumalai Nayakkar's warnings and later by the Kandy naickers in Ceylon.
Moreover, local Polygars, such as the Sethu Patis of Rameswaram, played a crucial role in safeguarding temples. The resilience of these local rulers ensured that the temples were fortified and protected, even when the broader strife impacted the region.
Modern Day Preservation
Today, Tamil Nadu is home to over 30,000 temple gopurams of 300 to 5,000 years old. These architectural marvels speak to the sacrifices made by ancestors and the vision to safeguard these treasures. The temples mirror a past where India was rich with wealth, abundance, culture, tradition, and vibrant food habits. Despite the external invasions, the temples survived and continue to stand as testaments to the vibrant past of Tamil Nadu.
While the history of destruction is significant, it is equally important to acknowledge the resilience and the continuous efforts of individuals and communities to preserve these architectural and cultural treasures.