(QNO) - Let's take a journey back in time to explore Chien Dan towers, a famous Cham monument in Tam Ky city (Quang Nam province) via a series of photographs captured by German traveller Hans-Peter Grumpe in 1992.
This is the panoramic view of the Chien Dan Towers in Tam An commune in 1992. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deAll three towers belong to the traditional Cham architectural style: square towers with tiered roofs. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deIn addition to the three remaining towers, several foundations of collapsed structures are found on the campus of the Chien Dan Towers, which shows the large scale of the temple complex during its prosperous period. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deAlthough the architecture is no longer intact, the Chien Dan Tower Complex still preserves very vivid stone sculptures. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deThese are stone relief panels adorning the base of the tower, inspired by the Indian epic Ramayana. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deThese reliefs depict warriors holding various types of weapons in diverse poses, such as guarding or fighting. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deThe reliefs also depict female dancers skilfully performing ancient Cham dances. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deFauna and flora also appear on the relief panels. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deBased on the architectural and sculptural elements, the Chien Dan Towers are classified in the transitional style between My Son A1 and Binh Dinh. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deHistorians believe that the towers were built from the late 10th century to the early 11th century. Photo: Hpgrumpe.deAt Chien Dan Towers. Photo: Hpgrumpe.de