In collaboration with École Française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO), Pondicherry, IGNCA launched a comprehensive project to investigate the multi-layered and multi­ dimensional personality of the Bṛhadīśvara Temple at Tañjāvur. This in-depth study of the identified area and monument resulted in the publication of Tañjāvur Bṛhadīśvara : An Architectural Study, by Pierre Pichard in 1995. One of the interrelated modules of the project co­ordinated by R. Nagaswamy, includes iconographical study of sculptures, stone reliefs, bronze images and mural paintings. Accordingly, Francoise L’Hernault of EFEO undertook the task of photo documentation of the icons of the Bṛhadīśvara Temple. She completed the assignment in 1994 and based on nearly 600 photographs of the icons, she prepared this monograph as a catalogue for the identification of the iconographical forms of the two capital sites of the Colas­ Tañjāvur and Gaṅgaikoṇḍacoḷapuram.

• Preface

• Content List