A Project Report On Chola Art And Architecture
The Chola Dynasty ruled in South India, largely in the present-day states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, between the 9th and 14th centuries. Although the Cholas were militarily most successful, they are best remembered for their beautiful sculptures, mural paintings and architecture. Many of these masterpieces can be seen throughout South India.
Chola bronze and stone sculptures are considered to be some of the finest in the world. The powerful and sensuous figures of Nataraja, Siva as Lord of the Dance, Uma Mahesvara, Shiva and Parvati, Sura Sundari and Durga have been widely admired and copied for centuries.The finest examples of Chola bronze sculpture are to be seen in the Shiva-Ganga Temple at Chidambaram where the thousand-pillared hall has sculptural masterpieces of intricately interwoven and geometric designs.
Chola murals, paintings on plaster, have withstood time for many centuries. Paintings are still visible at the Shiva Temple at Rajarajeshwari, Tanjore and the beautiful Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram. The lifelike portrayal of the Chola kings and their courtiers, the vivid scenes from the epics and legends and the larger-than-life images of the gods and goddesses bring alive the richness and splendour of the Chola period.
Chola architecture brought a creative revolution in the history of South India. Visiting the Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholapuram one is dazzled by the serenity of the pyramidal temples which seem to soar straight up to the sky. The wide array of Nandis or gatekeepers, the exquisite pillared halls, yalis or mythical animals, lions, and gargoyles carved with perfection stand as a monument of imaginative excellence. The Shiva temple at Tanjore (Thanjavur) was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.
The contemporary scholars such as Pascal Bagiard from France, who is currently researching on Chola arts and architectures, said that the kingly architecture of the Cholas is “both unifying and mixing, where the Hindu and Jain traditions find an echo of their programs in the unity of proportions that characterises the Chola temples”. The Chola structures, both literal and metaphoric, reveal a grand vision of empire, spiritual powers and creative brilliance, inspiring awe and admiration.
Bronze Sculptures: Aesthetics and Techniques
Chola bronze sculpture is especially remarkable for its three-dimensional beauty and mastery of natural forms. Chola bronzes were typically moulded using the lost-wax technique and cast using a mixture of metals. Gold and silver were often used to enrich the surfaces, producing a shimmering effect that delighted the eyes of audience, who viewed them as god-given gifts. The engineering skills of the Chola artists are remarkable for their ability to create very intricate designs. This shows their sophisticated understanding of balance and proportion. The high quality of artistry and technique has remained unsurpassed to this day.
The sculptures are usually large, about six feet tall, and display an astonishing level of detail and craftsmanship. The facial expressions show an intense concentration, as if in meditation. The delicate curves of the body reveal a perfect sense of balance between physique and emotion. The clothing is often depicted as sensual and delicate and gives the figures a luxurious quality. But most significantly, it is the power of movement and the strength of pose that makes Chola bronzes so captivating.
The symbols and allegories used by the Cholas are highly meaningful and often refer to lord Shiva, the main deity of Chola art. It is not uncommon to find sculptures with several arms, as is characteristic of many images of Shiva. Sometimes the many-armed figures are depicted worshipping or meditating under their sacred bodhi tree, symbolically representing their pursuit for enlightenment.
As the figures are almost life-size, there is often an expressive quality to the depiction of the physical features. The lyrical lines of hair, the curves of the body, the rhythms of the clothing, and the balance of the composition all demonstrate Chola art’s penchant for realism and symbolism. Moreover, the artist’s delicate use of color and gilding create an almost angelic beauty in the pieces.
Construction and Layout of Chola Temples
The Cholas were meticulous in their construction of temples and ensured that the structures were designed with a sense of order and symmetry. The temples were typically located near major towns or cities, surrounded by smaller shrines and temples, as well as open-air pavilions and gardens. The entrance was usually along the east side and flanked by multiple gateways. These served to direct the devotees along the path of the temple and into the inner sanctum.
The main temple structure is surrounded by a series of courtyards, each with its own specific purpose. To the north of the temple is a sacred garden, while the southern part has a mandapam (a structure with a large central hall, typically adorned with ornamental pillars) and a pillared assembly hall. The main temple structure is also surrounded by a series of terraces and walls which etched with figures of gods and goddesses as well as scenes from ancient Hindu mythology.
The layout of the Chola temples is highly symbolic and communicates a deep understanding of Hindu spiritual ideology. The main temple is typically constructed at an elevated height, symbolizing its sacred stature, while the mandapam is at a lower level, and may be used as a public gathering place. The large central sanctum sanctorum is often surrounded by a gallery of smaller shrines and open-air pavilions, representing the various aspects or incarnations of the deity.
Furthermore, the structure of the temple often has multiple gopurams (elaborate Hindu gateways). These gopurams have multiple entrances and provide further symbolic references to the transformation of the devotee from the material world to the divine. The entire temple, with its various halls, terraces and courtyards, is intended to give devotees a taste of the sacred and spiritual powers of the Chola deity.
Craftsmanship and Architecture
Chola art and architecture reflect craftsmanship and high levels of sophistication. The walls of the temples are intricately carved with images of Hindu gods and goddesses, and the inner sanctum is further adorned with bronze and stone sculptures of Lord Shiva. One aspect that has been noted by scholars is the use of the saranga motif. This is a type of intertwining design that uses complex shapes and almost mathematical precision to create unique and eye-catching patterns. This can be seen in the walls of the Shiva temples in Chidambram and Thanjavur. The saranga motif is believed to symbolically represent the complex spiritual truth of Lord Shiva.
The Cholas also added large and intricately carved stone sculptures to their temples. These sculptures, such as those of Nataraja or Siva as Lord of the Dance, are believed to embody the energy and power of the deity. The use of such sculptures thus connects the material world to the spiritual world.
The construction of the Chola temples was undertaken with great sophistication, particularly in terms of its foundation and engineering, as seen in the use of complex structures and structures that could withstand major floods and other natural disasters. The Tanjore Temple, for example, was built on a raised plinth and is believed to be supported by an intricate series of pillars and walls. This engineering expertise is further seen in the use of intricate interlocking stones and a system of dams and canals to protect the building from flooding. This engineering expertise enabled the Cholas to build temples with impressive aesthetic beauty and architectural excellence.
Social Democracy and Religious Cosmology
Chola art and architecture is underpinned by a social and religious structure that is deeply embedded in caste and division. Through their exceptional talent, the Cholas created a political and social model that enabled them to rule over a large area of South India for several centuries. This was achieved through a complex network of local princes, sub-regions, trade treaties, and a powerful army. The Chola architecture also had a much broader purpose. It was seen as a potent symbol of the divine and the cosmic order, with the temple as the supreme centre of spiritual power.
The importance of the temple was further reinforced through elaborate rituals and annual festivals. For example, the annual chariot festival was an elaborate ritual that was intended to both venerate and celebrate the deity of the Chola temple. This ritual connected the temple to the state and helped cement the idea of divine kingship as the main form of rule. This is also symbolised through the use of sculptures and murals which depict the various incarnations of the deity and their devotees.
The temples also acted as a focal point for the local community. The various activities and festivals held at the temple brought together people from all walks of life, providing an opportunity for them to gather and celebrate their traditions and culture. Hence, the Chola temples served not only a religious purpose, but also provided an important social centre for the community.
Influences in the Modern Age
The influence of the Chola period can still be seen in modern South Indian art, architecture, religion and culture. The Chola style of art and architecture has been emulated in many parts of the world and often serves as an inspiration for modern-day artists and architects. For example, the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore is a renowned research institution which was designed by M. Visvesvaraya and incorporates many of the features of the Chola temples. This demonstrates the enduring legacy of the Chola period and the admiration held for their architectural skills.
In addition, the Chola sculptures, bronzes and carvings continue to be a source of inspiration for Indian artists and have also become sought-after souvenirs for tourists visiting South India. The Chola bronze sculptures remain highly popular, and many replicas continue to be made of the iconic images of Shiva and Parvati. Meanwhile, the stone sculptures and carvings are still prominent in many temples and palaces throughout India.
Finally, modern-day scholars and researchers continue to discover more about the Chola period through archaeological and historical research. Many mysteries still remain, but the influence of the Chola period is still visible in the daily life of South India. The impressive temples and sculptures created by the Cholas still stand as striking monuments to their creativity, engineering skills and spiritual vision.
