Architecture of Ancient Tamil Nadu: The Kallanai Dam Story

The Grand Anaicut at Kallanai, true to its name, significantly recapitulates the magnificent history of the Chola Empire. The intricate system of water-ways amply portrays their mastery, articulating their sagacity as architects and builders par excellence. Although the structure’s fabric was simple, it has stood robustly on pervious soil for two millennia, often enduring the wrath and fury of the Cauvery. The versatility of architectural modeling has not only relived this exemplar specimen of engineering, but also helped examine and unravel the way it has influenced Tamil Nadu’s civillisational discourse sustainably through time.