CHENNAI, India — On the financial institution of the Cauvery River in southern India stands the majestic Brihadeeswara Temple. It was constructed from granite quarried 48 kilometers away and hauled to the location by a thousand captive elephants earlier than deposing the heavy stones with the assistance of ramps.

The temple, situated in Tamil Nadu state’s Thanjavur, shows photos of gods and goddesses, historic inscriptions, carvings and frescoes. It was constructed within the eleventh century by one of many longest reigning Indian dynasties, the Cholas, which existed for greater than 1,500 years and reached its peak between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, one of many three strongest kingdoms of the area.