KARANDAMAKUTA IN INDIAN AND SOUTHEAST INDIAN ART

Abstract

A Karandamakuta is a type of crown with an imposing and inverted-pot shape. Originating from India, during the Pallava period, there purpose is to portray minor deities, in an iconographical illustration. The Karandamakuta are visible in the Chola sculptures, throughout South India, as well as influencing Pala art in Northern India.

Karandamakutas are also seen in Sri Lankan, Tibetan and Pagan art, with only slight differences between the Northern and Southern styles. Within Thailand Karadamakutas are often present upon statues of the Sukhothai and Ayuthaya regions, displaying a mixture of the northern and Southern styles.