Important Notice

Bronze
17th Century

Nayak Dynasty
Tamil Nadu

Height:
Rama: 7.5 in (19 cms)
Laxmana: 6.7 in (17 cms)
Sita: 6.3 in (16 cms)



This complete set shows Rama standing in the centre with his consort Sita standing to his left and his brother Laxmana to his right. Both the male figures are shown with their left hands held upright signifying that they are holding a bow. Their right hands are held low with the thumb and index finger held together. This hand is meant to hold the arrow. Sita holds a lotus bud in her left hand. Her right hand is left loose against her body. The crowns are simple and elongated. The ornamentation on the body is also minimalistic. The stress is on the form and modeling. All the figures have well defined body structures. The artworks have straight lines which make them visually appealing. All three figures stand on lotus pedestals. It is interesting to note that Laxmana is shown slightly shorter than his elder brother, and Sita being the female is shown as the shortest in the group. Laxmana also has a quiver full of arrows hung on his back. It is noteworthy to see the manner in which the drapes overlap the body. All three figures have pleasant expressions.

It is rare to see a complete set of bronzes as the group often tends to get dispersed. As a set, the three figures create a great composition.

The Nayak Dynasty

The Nayak dynasty was founded by Vishwanatha Nayak and made Madurai its capital. It was considered one of the glorious dynasties of the South. This period saw a lot of wealth and prosperity.

Thirumalai Nayak in particular, who was one of the most prosperous Nayak rulers, gave a boost to the architectural legacy of the splendid city of Madurai by creating new structures and expanding existing landmarks in and around the city.

The Raja Gopuram (the main tower) of the Meenakshi Temple as well as the sanctuary of this beautiful temple at Madurai was built by Vishwanath Nayak, the first king of the Nayaks. The Thirumalai Nayak Palace is also a living example of his unparalleled contribution to the city's architecture.

It was during this period that beautiful edifices were constructed and intricately sculpted stone figures of deities adorned palaces, homes of the aristocracy and public places.

On Thirumalai Nayak's death in 1659, the kingdom began to break up. His successors were weak rulers and were unable to consolidate the huge kingdom. As such, the invasion of Madurai commenced. In 1736, the Nayak dynasty fell into decline and finally saw its end. The British purchased the kingdom, but her beautiful and rare remains can still be seen in the form of stone sculptures that adorn museums or homes of some art connoisseurs.

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