With reference to the Chola bronze Nataraja, consider the following statements: 1. The upper right hand holds the damaru. 2. The upper left hand holds the damaru. 3. The main right hand is in abhaya hasta. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The bronze icons of the Chola period (9th-13th century CE) are considered masterpieces of Indian metal sculpture. The most iconic among them is the image of Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance), which crystallizes complex cosmological concepts into a dynamic sculptural form. These images were typically created using the cire-perdue (lost-wax) technique. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The image of Nataraja typically has four arms. The upper right hand holds the damaru (hand drum). This symbolizes the rhythmic sound of creation (shrishti), signifying that all creation springs from the vibration of the drum. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The upper left hand holds agni (fire) in a vessel or upon the palm. This symbolizes destruction (samhara) or the dissolution of the universe. The damaru is held in the upper right hand, not the upper left. - Statement 3 is Correct: The main right hand (lower right hand) is held in the abhaya hasta mudra. This is the gesture of reassurance, signifying protection and the removal of fear for the devotee. Key Takeaway: In the Chola Nataraja iconography, the balance of the universe is maintained through the Damaru (creation) in the upper right hand and Agni (destruction) in the upper left hand, while the Abhaya Hasta offers protection.

With reference to the Chola bronze… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

mcqhard

With reference to the Chola bronze Nataraja, consider the following statements:

The upper right hand holds the damaru.
The upper left hand holds the damaru.
The main right hand is in abhaya hasta.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 5

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The bronze icons of the Chola period (9th-13th century CE) are considered masterpieces of Indian metal sculpture. The most iconic among them is the image of Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance), which crystallizes complex cosmological concepts into a dynamic sculptural form. These images were typically created using the cire-perdue (lost-wax) technique.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The image of Nataraja typically has four arms. The upper right hand holds the damaru (hand drum). This symbolizes the rhythmic sound of creation (shrishti), signifying that all creation springs from the vibration of the drum.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The upper left hand holds agni (fire) in a vessel or upon the palm. This symbolizes destruction (samhara) or the dissolution of the universe. The damaru is held in the upper right hand, not the upper left.
Statement 3 is Correct: The main right hand (lower right hand) is held in the abhaya hasta mudra. This is the gesture of reassurance, signifying protection and the removal of fear for the devotee.

Key Takeaway:
In the Chola Nataraja iconography, the balance of the universe is maintained through the Damaru (creation) in the upper right hand and Agni (destruction) in the upper left hand, while the Abhaya Hasta offers protection.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Himachal Pradesh | 1. Dynamic Mahishasuramardini images B. Thanjavur | 2. Revival of Gupta classical style C. Nalanda | 3. Life-size portrait statues D. Tirupati | 4. Wide range of Shiva iconography

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With reference to the Vijayanagar Period bronzes, consider the following statements: 1. The sculptors of this period strictly avoided creating portrait statues of royals. 2. The portrait statues of Krishnadevaraya and his queens are depicted in prayer mudra. 3. The physical bodies in these sculptures are modelled to appear imposing yet graceful. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The Vakataka period bronze images of the Buddha found at Phophnar demonstrate the stylistic influence of:

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With reference to the history of bronze sculpture in India, consider the following statements: 1. The ‘Dancing Girl’ sculpture dates to the Mauryan period. 2. The ‘lost-wax’ process was known to Indian sculptors as early as the Indus Valley Culture. 3. Bronze casting was exclusively used for creating ritual icons and was never utilised for daily use articles like utensils. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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