Pancha Rathas - Mystical chariots from 7th century at Mahabalipuram - Ep 18

The monoliths are named after the Pandavas -- Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishthira ("Dharmaraja"), Nakula and Sahadeva -- and their common wife Draupadi. These names are considered to be a misrepresentation as the structures have no link to the iconic characters of the Mahabharata epic.
The Pallava dynasty had planned the structures as models of chariots in rock based on prototypes of ancient rathas built in wood. The Pancha Pandava ratha (the five chariots of the Pandavas), are a stylistic anomaly marking the point of transition between the earlier tradition of rock-carved cave temples and the later tradition of freestanding stone structures, of the type seen at the nearby Shore Temple.
The purpose of their construction is not known as the structures were not completed. Part of the collection within the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, they were classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.