Singing steps.

The “singing steps” of Darasuram

The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, was built in the reign of Chola king Rajaraja II in the 12th century. It is one of the three Great Living Chola Temples, now a UNESCO World Heritage property. 

Among its remarkable architectural details are seven stone steps traditionally known as musical or singing steps. When appropriately struck, the steps can produce different pitches corresponding traditionally to the seven swaras:

Sa – Ri/Re – Ga – Ma – Pa – Dha – Ni

The idea that architecture itself could be made to sound is extraordinary.

There is also a lovely detail: the musical steps are associated with the entrance/bali-pitha area, rather than being an ordinary staircase designed simply for climbing. Modern visitors are generally prevented from striking them because of conservation concerns. 

What makes this particularly wonderful

The Cholas did not separate art, architecture, science, mathematics, music and spirituality into watertight compartments.

A temple could be:

a place of worship,

an architectural masterpiece,

a sculpture gallery,

a record of history,

a centre of music and dance,

and an astonishing demonstration of knowledge of materials and acoustics.

UNESCO itself describes the Great Living Chola Temples as embodying the Cholas' achievements in architecture, sculpture, painting, bronze casting and the arts, including music and dance. 

And I think this deserves its own little article in our India series. It would make a lovely subject after all the mountains and lakes:

“When Stone Began to Sing — The Musical Steps of Darasuram”