Consider the following statements with reference to the Nataraj bronze sculpture of Chola period: 1. Shiva is shown balancing himself on his right leg representing tirobhava. 2. Shiva is shown raising his left leg in bhujangatrasita stance, representing kicking away the illusion from the devotee's mind. 3. The main right hand holds the damaru, Shiva's favourite musical instrument.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2 only
Understanding Chola Nataraja Bronze Sculpture
The Nataraja form of Lord Shiva, depicting him as the cosmic dancer, is one of the most iconic representations from the Chola period in South Indian art. These bronze sculptures are renowned for their artistic excellence and profound symbolism. Let's analyze the given statements about the Nataraja bronze sculpture.
Analyzing Statements on Nataraja Sculpture Symbolism
Statement 1: Shiva is shown balancing himself on his right leg representing tirobhava.
This statement says Shiva balances on his right leg and that this leg represents tirobhava (concealment or illusion). In the Nataraja sculpture, Shiva is indeed depicted balancing on his right leg. However, the right leg, which is placed upon the demon Apasmara (ignorance), symbolizes the trampling or conquering of ignorance and forgetfulness. Tirobhava, one of Shiva's five acts (Panchakritya), represents the power of illusion or concealment, and it is generally associated with the cosmic dance as a whole or the veil of maya. The grounded right foot specifically crushing Apasmara symbolizes the destruction of ignorance, not tirobhava directly. Therefore, this statement is incorrect regarding the symbolism of the right leg.
Statement 2: Shiva is shown raising his left leg in bhujangatrasita stance, representing kicking away the illusion from the devotee's mind.
This statement mentions Shiva's raised left leg, the stance called bhujangatrasita, and its meaning. Shiva's left leg is typically raised across his body in the bhujangatrasita stance, which means 'terrified by a snake'. This raised leg points towards liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. Achieving liberation involves overcoming the limitations of ignorance and illusion (maya). While the statement says "kicking away the illusion from the devotee's mind," this is a valid interpretation related to achieving liberation by transcending maya. The raised leg is indeed in the bhujangatrasita stance and symbolizes liberation from the illusory world. Thus, this statement is correct.
Statement 3: The main right hand holds the damaru, Shiva's favourite musical instrument.
This statement claims the main right hand holds the damaru. In the typical four-armed Nataraja sculpture:
- The upper right hand holds the damaru (a small drum), symbolizing creation (Srishti) through sound.
- The upper left hand holds fire, symbolizing destruction (Samhara).
- The lower right hand is in Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness or protection), offering reassurance to the devotee (Anugraha - grace). This is often considered a 'main' hand as it is forward-facing and prominent.
- The lower left hand is stretched across the body, pointing to the raised foot, symbolizing the path to liberation (Moksha or Anugraha). This is also a 'main' hand.
The statement says the *main* right hand holds the damaru. As explained, the lower right hand is usually in Abhaya Mudra, while the upper right hand holds the damaru. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Conclusion on the Statements
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1 is incorrect.
- Statement 2 is correct.
- Statement 3 is incorrect.
Only statement 2 is correct.
| Statement | Detail Mentioned | Actual Symbolism/Representation | Correctness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Right leg represents tirobhava | Right leg on Apasmara represents crushing ignorance | Incorrect |
| 2 | Left leg raised in bhujangatrasita represents kicking away illusion | Left leg raised in bhujangatrasita represents liberation/overcoming illusion (moksha) | Correct |
| 3 | Main right hand holds damaru | Upper right hand holds damaru; Main right hand is Abhaya Mudra | Incorrect |
Therefore, the correct option is the one that states only statement 2 is correct.
Revision Table: Key Aspects of Chola Nataraja Symbolism
| Element | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Cosmic Dance (Ananda Tandava) | The five divine acts (Panchakritya): Creation, Preservation, Destruction, Illusion, Grace. |
| Ring of Fire (Prabha Mandala) | The cosmic universe or the cycle of birth and death. |
| Shiva's Face | Calm and detached, despite the vigorous dance. |
| Upper Right Hand (Damaru) | Creation (Srishti). Sound as the origin of the cosmos. |
| Upper Left Hand (Fire) | Destruction (Samhara). The dissolving force. |
| Lower Right Hand (Abhaya Mudra) | Protection and reassurance (Anugraha - Grace). |
| Lower Left Hand (Gaja Hasta/pointing to foot) | Pointing towards the raised foot, symbolizing liberation. |
| Raised Left Foot (Bhujangatrasita) | Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha), attained by overcoming illusion. |
| Grounded Right Foot | Trampling the demon Apasmara, symbolizing the conquest of ignorance. |
| Apasmara Purusha (Demon under foot) | Ignorance or forgetfulness, which must be overcome. |
| Hair (Jata) | Flowing, often containing Ganga (holy river) and moon. |
Additional Information on Chola Bronze Sculptures
Chola period bronze sculptures, particularly the Nataraja figures, are celebrated worldwide for their aesthetic beauty and technical skill. Crafted using the lost-wax casting method (cire perdue), these bronzes reached their zenith during the 10th and 11th centuries. They are not merely decorative but are steeped in profound philosophical and religious symbolism, representing key tenets of Shaivism. The Nataraja icon itself became a standard representation that continues to influence art and philosophy.
- Lost-wax method: A detailed wax model is created, covered in clay, heated to melt the wax out, and then molten metal is poured into the mold.
- Patronage: Chola kings were great patrons of art and architecture, leading to the creation of magnificent temples and sculptures.
- Religious Context: The sculptures were primarily made for temple rituals and processions, often depicting deities in dynamic or benevolent forms.
Understanding the symbolism behind each element of sculptures like the Nataraja enhances the appreciation of South Indian art and religious philosophy.
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