Statues and Beyond - Equesterian Statue - Gemini Flyover

Equisterian Statue (Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan) Statue
Source: Wikimedia.org

:: Chennai Factoids ::

:: Statues and Beyond - Equesterian Statue - Gemini Flyover ::


This statue has got its attention whenever we pass the gemini flyover. I have a  doubt for a longer period as to why this statue has been here and who is that person. This is where my quest ends.

This statue was installed some time in 1970′s in remembrance of abolition of Horse Racing in Chennai. 

There were also reports that statue of the man is made with the features of Vandhiya Thevan of Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan. Two identical statues are installed on both sides of Anna Flyover.

:: Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan ::

Vallavarayar Vandhiyathevar was a feudatory of the Chola kings Raja Raja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I and chief of the Samanthas of North Arcot. 

Vandiyathevan
Source:zaraahatke.blogspot.com

He was married to Kundavai, the elder sister of Raja Raja I.The territory under his authority was known as Vallavaraiyarnadu. Vandiyadevan is idealized in Kalki's romantic novel Ponniyin Selvan.


His name is referred in Thanjavur Big Temple inscription in which he is referred to as the
husband of Kundavai Pirattiyar.

A life sized statue depicting Vandhiyathevar controlling a horse is erected in Chennai near Anna Flyover in Mount Road as an honour to this great personality during the first tenure of Mr. Karunanidhi as Chief Minister.

This statue was laid to capture the banning of horse race by the government of Tamil Nadu by that time.

Reference : Wikipedia.