Nataraja Sculpture Material Identification

The question asks for the material used to create the specific sculpture 'Siva Nataraja Performing the nadanta' from Tamil Nadu, dated approximately to c. 12^th CE.

Sculpture Details and Material

• Sculpture: 'Siva Nataraja Performing the nadanta'
• Origin: Tamil Nadu
• Date: c. 12^th CE (circa 12th Century CE)
• Material: The sculpture is famously made of Bronze.

Reasoning for Bronze Material

South Indian bronze casting, particularly during the Chola period (which aligns with the c. 12^th CE timeframe), reached a high level of sophistication. This technique, known as the lost-wax casting method (Maduchhista Vidhana), was widely used to create intricate metal icons, including depictions of deities like Nataraja.

Therefore, the material used for the 'Siva Nataraja Performing the nadanta' sculpture from Tamil Nadu (c. 12^th CE) is Bronze.