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).

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

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?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 5

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

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

medium

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?

medium

The celebrated bronze portrait sculpture of Krishnadevaraya with his queens is located at:

easy

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

medium

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?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture chapters