Question

Chola bronzes are known for their fine craftsmanship. These metal sculptures have been made of an alloy of how many metals ?
1. Four
2. Five
3. Six
4. Eight

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Five

The correct answer is Five.

• Chola bronzes
  • The bronze casting technique and the making of bronze images of traditional icons reached a high stage of development in South India during the medieval period.
  • Among the Pallava period bronze of the 8th century, the best one is the icon of Shiva seated in Ardhaparyanka asana (one leg kept dangling). The right hand is in the Achamana Mudra gesture, suggesting that he is about to drink poison.
  • Although bronze images were modeled and cast during the Pallava period in the 8th and 9th centuries, some of the most beautiful statues were produced during the Chola period in Tamil Nadu from the 10th to 12th century AD.
  • The technique of art fashioning bronze images is still skilfully practiced in South India, particularly in Kumbakonam.
  • The distinguished patron during the 10th century was the widowed Chola Queen, Sembiyan Maha Devi.
  • Chola bronze images are the most sought-after collectors’ items by art lovers all over the world.
  • The well-known dancing figure of Shiva as Nataraja was evolved and fully developed during the Chola period and since then many variations of this complex bronze image have been modeled.
  • Sometimes an alloy of five metals gold, silver, copper, brass, and lead is used to cast bronze images. Hence, Option 2 is correct.
  • A wide range of Shiva iconography was evolved in the Tanjore region of Tamil Nadu.
  • The 9th century Kalyanasundaram Murti is highly remarkable for how panigrahana (ceremony of marriage) is represented by two separate statuettes.
  • Shiva with his extended right hand accepts Parvati’s (the bride’s) right hand, who is depicted with a bashful expression and taking a step forward.
  • The union of Shiva and Parvati is very ingeniously represented in the Ardhanarisvra in a single image. Beautiful independent figurines of Parvati have also been modeled, standing in the graceful tribhanga posture.
  • During the 16th century known as the Vijayanagara period in Andhra Pradesh, the sculptors experimented with portrait sculpture to preserve the knowledge of the royal patrons for prosperity. At Tirupati, the life-size standing portrait statue was cast in bronze, depicting Krishnadevaraya with his two queens, Tirumalamba and Chinnadevi.
  • The sculpture has combined the likeness of the facial features with certain elements of idealization.
  • The idealization is further observed in the manner the physical body is modeled to appear imposing as well as graceful.
  • The standing King and Queens are depicted in a praying posture, that is, both hands in the Namaskara mudra.