Chola Dynasty Collection

Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur

Shiva as the Lord of Dance, 10th century. Creator: Unknown
Shiva as the Lord of Dance, 10th century

Shiva as the Lord of Dance, between c.950 and c.1000. Creator: Unknown
Shiva as the Lord of Dance, between c.950 and c.1000

King Rajaraja I. Creator: Indian Art
King Rajaraja I. Found in the collection of the Thanjavur Palace

Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi as the Goddess Parvati, Chola dynasty, 10th century

Buddha with Left Hand in Gesture of Gift-Giving (Varadamudra), Chola period, 11th/12th century

Buddha Shakyamuni Seated in Meditation (Dhyanamudra), Chola period, about 12th century. Dark stone sculpture of Buddha sitting cross-legged, hands in lap, eyes closed

Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), Chola period, about 10th / 11th century
Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), Chola period, about 10th/11th century. A bronze sculpture of the Hindu divinity Shiva

Sri Devi, Chola Dynasty, c. 1100 (bronze)
874815 Sri Devi, Chola Dynasty, c.1100 (bronze) by Indian School (12th century); 71.12 x29.21 x19.05 cm; San Diego Museum of Art, USA; (add.info.: Sri Devi, one of the names of Lakshmi)

Shiva Nataraja, 12th century (bronze)
1765777 Shiva Nataraja, 12th century (bronze) by Indian School (12th century); 153A--114.5 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (add.info)

Shiva Nataraja, 11th century (bronze)
1071553 Shiva Nataraja, 11th century (bronze) by Indian School (11th century); 88.9x71.1x25.4 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas

Shiva Nataraja, Lord of Dance, c. 11th century (copper)
3613986 Shiva Nataraja, Lord of Dance, c.11th century (copper) by Indian School (11th century); 68.3x56.5 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Brahma, late 900s-1000s. Creator: Unknown
Brahma, late 900s-1000s. In the Hindu pantheon Brahma is in charge of carrying out the work of creation. In this tour-de-force of South Indian temple sculpture, he is in a special regal aspect

Airatesvara Temple, Dharasuram, Tamil Nadu, India. This Hindu temple was built during the reign of Rajaraja Chola II in the mid 12th century

Ganesha, 12th century. Found in the Collection of State Oriental Art Museum, Moscow

Siva as Lord of the Dance, Indian Bronze From Madras, (Chola Dynasty), 10th century. 69 cm high. At Victoria and Albert Museum. London

Interior Pillars of Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Ekambareswarar Temple or Ekambaranathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India

The South Tower Entrance Shrine of Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, South India
Ekambareswarar Temple or Ekambaranathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India

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"Exploring the Magnificence of the Chola Dynasty: A Glimpse into Tamil Nadu's Rich Heritage" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Chola Dynasty, an empire that left an indelible mark on Indian history. From the awe-inspiring Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur to the intricate interior pillars of Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu is a treasure trove of architectural marvels. As you enter through the South Tower Entrance Shrine of Ekambareswarar Temple, be prepared to be transported to a bygone era. Marvel at the exquisite sculptures depicting Buddha with his left hand in gesture of gift-giving (Varadamudra) and Buddha Shakyamuni seated in meditation (Dhyanamudra), both from the Chola period around 12th century. One cannot miss witnessing one of their most iconic creations - Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja). Dating back to about 10th/11th century, this masterpiece showcases Shiva's cosmic dance, symbolizing creation and destruction. It stands as a testament to their artistic prowess and spiritual devotion. The influence of women during this dynasty is evident through Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi portrayed as Goddess Parvati. This depiction from the 10th century highlights her power and importance within society. Delving deeper into their artistic legacy, Sri Devi captivates with her gracefulness. Crafted during the Chola Dynasty around c. 1100, this bronze sculpture exudes elegance and divine beauty. Shiva Nataraja takes center stage once again with stunning bronzes from both 12th century and 11th century showcasing his dynamic form as Lord of Dance. These masterpieces demonstrate not only technical brilliance but also deep spiritual symbolism cherished by devotees for centuries.