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| Art and Architecture under the Cholas |
Introduction
The Cholas are renowned for their significant contributions to the development of Dravidian art and architecture. They built numerous temples, characterized by their distinctive architectural style and exquisite sculptures.
Temple Architecture
Vimana: The vimana, a towering pyramidal structure, is a defining feature of Chola temples. It represents the cosmic mountain, Meru, and symbolizes the temple's spiritual significance.
Key Temples: Early Chola temples can be found at Narthamalai, Kodumbalur, and Srinivasanallur. The most iconic example is the Brihadeeswara Temple (Big Temple) at Tanjore, built by Rajaraja I. This masterpiece of Dravidian architecture features a massive vimana, ardhamandapa, mahamandapa, and a Nandimandapa.
Later Chola Temples: Other notable Chola temples include the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram and the Kampaharesvara Temple at Tribhuvanam, which showcase the continued development of Dravidian architectural styles.
Sculpture
Temple Sculptures: The walls of Chola temples are adorned with numerous sculptures, depicting Hindu deities, mythological scenes, and historical figures. These sculptures are renowned for their intricate details and artistic craftsmanship.
Bronze Statues: The Cholas are particularly celebrated for their bronze sculptures, which are considered masterpieces of Indian art. The bronze statues of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva, are among the most famous and admired examples of Chola sculpture.
Painting
Temple Paintings: While less prominent than their sculptural achievements, the Cholas also produced notable paintings. The walls of temples such as Narthamalai and Tanjore feature paintings that provide glimpses into the artistic traditions of the period.
Conclusion
The Cholas' artistic legacy is evident in the grandeur of their temples and the exquisite craftsmanship of their sculptures. Their contributions to Dravidian architecture and the development of bronze sculpture continue to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.
