Important Notice

Granite
13th Century

Chola Dynasty
Tamil Nadu

Height: 60.6 in (154 cms)



This Chola sculpture represents Bhudevi or mother earth, one of the two consorts of Lord Vishnu. Her sister Sridevi, the other consort, represents material wealth and prosperity. In this sculpture, Bhudevi, who signifies fertility, is seen standing gracefully in the tribhanga posture. Her body is well modeled with a great rhythmic flow. Her conical crown, typical of Goddesses, is well-proportioned in relation to her face. Flat necklaces, bracelets and arm bands carved in the typical Chola style adorn her body. Her hips are wrapped in a dhoti, the folds of which cascade down to her ankles in parallel waves. The thin robe clings to her body, and is held at the waist by an ornate belt tied with a narrow U-shaped loop of the sash that hangs from the waist-girdle. The form of her body is full and her flesh appears soft but firm. Her right hand, which was supposed to be in the gesture of holding a lotus, the symbol of love, is unfortunately missing. All the above characteristics combined with the proportion and posture clearly point to the mature phase of the glorious Chola dynasty.

On observation one can see that her chest is bare, a sign of purity as well as a feature that distinguishes her from sister Sridevi who wears a breast band. It is interesting to note the manner in which a relaxed posture has been imparted. The Devi's right knee is bending forward. This movement has resulted in an upward movement of the left hip. The tight waist belt imparts a roundish curve to her abdomen. Most ancient sculptures were carved only on the front side. The reason being they occupied niches in ancient architecture thus making the backside invisible. The more important ones used to be carved in the round. On the backside of this sculpture the siraschakra, waist belt, and crown are well carved out.

This graceful sculpture is pleasant and auspicious and an important work due it's age, aesthetics, subject and grand scale.

Note: The corresponding sculpture of Sridevi is in the possession of a prominent Indian art collector.

The Chola Dynasty

The powerful Chola Dynasty ruled Tamil Nadu from the 10th to the 13th Century A.D.

The Empire was magnificent and spread from the islands of the Maldives up to the banks of the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from being great conquerors, they were also dedicated art patrons and had outstanding taste for art. They created some of the most outstanding sculptures in metal and stone. Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola also built spectacular temples. The proportion, posture, expression and rhythm of sculptures of this period still stand unrivalled.

Today collectors the world over realize the rarity of sculptures of this period. They acquire the few available, surviving examples which are reminiscent of this ancient civilization.

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