Rajarajesvara Temple 1869

This 1869 photograph by Samuel Bourne depicts the Rajarajesvara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Bourne, a pioneering photographer of the 19th century, captured the grandeur of this 11th-century Chola dynasty temple with striking detail. The image showcases the temple's imposing gopuram, a towering gateway, and the expansive courtyard. The presence of a lone figure adds a sense of scale and underscores the temple's architectural magnificence. The photograph, now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art collection, offers a glimpse into the rich architectural heritage of South India.