Important Notice

Granite
Early 9th Century

Pallava Dynasty
Tamil Nadu

Height: 27.6 in (70 cms)



This sculpture shows Shiva in a seated posture. He is seen in a four handed form seated on a pedestal in lalitasana. The facial features, hair style as well as the colour of the stone make the piece a very unusual one. It is not often that one sees this colour tone in sculptures from the south. Also, the facial features coupled with the hair raised in a bun are reminiscent of a northern Indian stylization. The upper two hands would have held Shaivite attributes. The design of the ornaments is simple in tune with the period. The face is excellent with features that clearly speak of the Pallava Dynasty. The sculpture has a confident and radiant appearance.

The Pallava Dynasty

The Pallavas ruled from Kanchipuram in Madras, South India, from the 6th to the 9th centuries. They were responsible for the earliest cave carvings in South India. Examples of wonderful workmanship still stand as witness to their style, grandeur and artistic creation at Mahabalipuram.

They were ruled by an art-minded king, Mahendravarman, and their artistic creation was led by the ruler who was himself a sculptor, poet, musician and warrior, which led to an appreciative audience that could understand and reward generations of sculptors.

The art of the Pallavas had a characteristic power and dominance attached to it. Figures are shown with broad shoulders, heavy chests and serious expressions. It is the Pallava School that provided inspiration for the development of the glorious Chola School that followed. Although, the Chola artisans were perfectionists, their art form could not match the strength and the power of the ancient Pallava imagery.

Pallava icons are said to have a hypnotic effect on the viewer. The later ones show more detailing and laid the foundation for the Chola dynasty. Pallava artifacts are difficult to come by and most of the available pieces have broken hands and chipped noses due to assault by invaders.

The National Museum in New Delhi has one of the finest collections of Pallava stones. Most of the acquisitions were made under the directorship of the late C. Sivaramamurti, one of the most knowledgeable experts in the field of South Indian bronzes and stones.

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