With reference to the Nataraja bronze, consider the following statements: 1. The upper right hand holds the damaru, symbolizing the beat of time. 2. The upper left hand holds a trident. 3. The main left hand is held in abhaya mudra. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 1 only Explanation The Nataraja bronze is a quintessential example of Chola art, depicting Shiva as the Lord of Dance performing the Ananda Tandava (Dance of Bliss). This iconography synthesizes the cosmic roles of creation, preservation, and destruction within a single dynamic composition. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The upper right hand holds the damaru (a small drum). This symbolizes sound (nada), which is associated with the creation of the universe and the beat of time. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The upper left hand holds agni (fire), usually contained in a vessel or resting on the palm. This represents the force of destruction (samhara). The trident (trishula) is not held in the hands of the standard Nataraja icon. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The main right hand is held in the abhaya mudra, signifying protection and reassurance ("do not fear"). The main left hand is held in the gajahasta or dolahasta mudra, stretching across the chest and pointing towards the raised left foot, which signifies refuge and liberation. Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: In the Chola Nataraja iconography, the four hands symbolize specific cosmic functions: the damaru (creation), agni (destruction), abhaya mudra (protection), and the gajahasta pointing to the raised foot (liberation/grace).

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

mcqmedium

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

The upper right hand holds the damaru, symbolizing the beat of time.
The upper left hand holds a trident.
The main left hand is held in abhaya mudra.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1 and 3 only
C1 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

The Nataraja bronze is a quintessential example of Chola art, depicting Shiva as the Lord of Dance performing the Ananda Tandava (Dance of Bliss). This iconography synthesizes the cosmic roles of creation, preservation, and destruction within a single dynamic composition.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The upper right hand holds the damaru (a small drum). This symbolizes sound (nada), which is associated with the creation of the universe and the beat of time.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The upper left hand holds agni (fire), usually contained in a vessel or resting on the palm. This represents the force of destruction (samhara). The trident (trishula) is not held in the hands of the standard Nataraja icon.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The main right hand is held in the abhaya mudra, signifying protection and reassurance ("do not fear"). The main left hand is held in the gajahasta or dolahasta mudra, stretching across the chest and pointing towards the raised left foot, which signifies refuge and liberation.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: In the Chola Nataraja iconography, the four hands symbolize specific cosmic functions: the damaru (creation), agni (destruction), abhaya mudra (protection), and the gajahasta pointing to the raised foot (liberation/grace).

Your note

More from Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

Consider the following statements regarding the Dhanesar Khera bronze Buddha: 1. It belongs to the state of Uttar Pradesh. 2. The drapery is transparent and clings to the body without any folds. 3. It exemplifies the Sarnath style of foldless drapery. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

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?

hard

Consider the following statements regarding the Chaturanana Vishnu images: 1. They have four heads. 2. The additional faces represent Brahma and Shiva. 3. This iconographic form is also found in the art of Kashmir. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Adinath bronze image from Chausa? 1. It features short curly hair similar to other Tirthankaras. 2. It is depicted with long hairlocks dropping to the shoulders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to the Akota hoard, consider the following statements: 1. It was found near Vadodara. 2. The hoard consists exclusively of Buddhist images. 3. Chakreshvari is depicted as the Shasanadevi of Adinath. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The upper right hand holds the damaru (a small drum). This symbolizes sound (nada), which is associated with the creation of the universe and the beat of time.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The upper left hand holds agni (fire), usually contained in a vessel or resting on the palm. This represents the force of destruction (samhara). The trident (trishula) is not held in the hands of the standard Nataraja icon.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The main right hand is held in the abhaya mudra, signifying protection and reassurance ("do not fear"). The main left hand is held in the gajahasta or dolahasta mudra, stretching across the chest and pointing towards the raised left foot, which signifies refuge and liberation.