The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The Chola period (9th to 13th century CE) marked a high point in Dravidian art. While renowned for their grand temple architecture and bronze sculptures, the Cholas also continued the tradition of mural paintings, serving as a link between the earlier Pallava/Pandya traditions and the later Vijayanagara style.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The most significant and extensive Chola paintings are found in the Brihadeswara Temple (Rajarajeswara Temple) at Thanjavur, which was built by Rajaraja Chola I. These paintings depict various themes, including Lord Shiva as Tripurantaka, Nataraja, and Dakshinamurti.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The paintings were not executed on the ceiling of the main mandapa. Instead, they are located on the walls of the narrow circumambulatory passage (pradakshinapatha) surrounding the sanctum sanctorum. This location is significant because the lack of light in the passage helped preserve the pigments over centuries.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The paintings were not executed in a single layer with no later additions. In the 1930s, researchers discovered that there were two layers of paintings. The visible upper layer belonged to the Nayaka period (16th-17th centuries). The original Chola frescoes were found underneath this later layer.
Key Takeaway:
The Chola mural tradition is best exemplified in the Brihadeswara Temple at Thanjavur, specifically on the walls of the inner circumambulatory passage, where original Chola works were later covered by Nayaka period paintings.