Chola Collection

Chola period murals painting, Brihadeeswarar temple, Thanjavur, India
Ancient murals painting of the Chola period found on the walls of the Brihadeeswarar temple, Thanjavur, India. The temple is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Shiva Nataraja, King of Dance. 850-1100. Hindu art. Chola art. Sculpture on bronze. FRANCE. Paris. Guimet Museum. Proc: INDIA. TAMIL NADU

Nataraja, Shiva as the Lord of Dance, 1000s. South India, Tamil Nadu
2967360 Nataraja, Shiva as the Lord of Dance, 1000s. South India, Tamil Nadu, Chola period (bronze) by Indian School; 113x102x30 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH

Brihadisvara temple dedicated to Shiva, built by Chola King Rajendra I between 1014 and 1172 AD, Gangaikondacholapuram, Tamil Nadu state, India, Asia

Shiva as the Lord of Dance, 10th century. Creator: Unknown
Shiva as the Lord of Dance, 10th century

Shiva as the Lord of Dance, between c.950 and c.1000. Creator: Unknown
Shiva as the Lord of Dance, between c.950 and c.1000

Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period
2560278 Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period, late 13th / early 14th century (granite) (see also 2560277-82) by Indian School; height

Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period
2560280 Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period, late 13th / early 14th century (granite) (see also 2560277-82) by Indian School; height

Rajaraja Chola inspects the bas-relief of his exploits at Tanjure 995 AD (litho)
1266158 Rajaraja Chola inspects the bas-relief of his exploits at Tanjure 995 AD (litho) by Ruith, Horace van (1839-1923); Private Collection; (add.info)

Shiva Nataraja, Chola Dynasty (bronze)
2597496 Shiva Nataraja, Chola Dynasty (bronze) by Indian School (11th century); 87.6x71.7x24.7 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, USA; (add.info.: Nataraja, The Lord (or King) of Dance)

Elder woman sitted in front of a door in Copacabana, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Bolivia

Buddha with Left Hand in Gesture of Gift-Giving (Varadamudra), Chola period, 11th/12th century

Buddha Shakyamuni Seated in Meditation (Dhyanamudra), Chola period, about 12th century. Dark stone sculpture of Buddha sitting cross-legged, hands in lap, eyes closed

Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), Chola period, about 10th / 11th century
Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), Chola period, about 10th/11th century. A bronze sculpture of the Hindu divinity Shiva

Continental delicatessen (photo)
5991422 Continental delicatessen (photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Continental delicatessen)

Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), Chola period, c. 10th-11th century (bronze)
2969723 Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), Chola period, c.10th-11th century (bronze) by South Indian School, (10th century); 69.3x61.8x24.1 cm; The Art Institute of Chicago, IL

Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period
2560282 Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period, late 13th / early 14th century (granite) (see also 2560277-81) by Indian School; height

Shiva Nataraja, Chola Dynasty (bronze)
2597498 Shiva Nataraja, Chola Dynasty (bronze) by Indian School (11th century); 87.6x71.7x24.7 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, USA; (add.info.: Nataraja, The Lord (or King) of Dance)

Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period
2560277 Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period, late 13th / early 14th century (granite) (see also 2560278-82) by Indian School; height

Buddha Shakyamuni seated in meditation (Dhyanamudra), Chola period, c
2969691 Buddha Shakyamuni seated in meditation (Dhyanamudra), Chola period, c.12th century (granite) by South Indian School, (12th century); 160x120.2x56.3 cm; The Art Institute of Chicago, IL

Shiva Nataraja, Chola Dynasty (bronze)
2597497 Shiva Nataraja, Chola Dynasty (bronze) by Indian School (11th century); 87.6x71.7x24.7 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, USA; (add.info.: Nataraja, The Lord (or King) of Dance)

Shiva Nataraja, 12th century (bronze)
1765777 Shiva Nataraja, 12th century (bronze) by Indian School (12th century); 153A--114.5 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (add.info)

Shiva Nataraja, Lord of Dance, c. 11th century (copper)
3613986 Shiva Nataraja, Lord of Dance, c.11th century (copper) by Indian School (11th century); 68.3x56.5 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Shiva Nataraja as the Lord of the Dance, c. 846 (bronze)
BAL3684 Shiva Nataraja as the Lord of the Dance, c.846 (bronze) by Indian School, (9th century); Victoria & Albert Museum, London, UK; Indian, out of copyright

Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period
2560279 Figure of Venugopala, South India, late Chola / early Vijayanagar period, late 13th / early 14th century (granite) (see also 2560277-82) by Indian School; height

Airatesvara Temple, Dharasuram, Tamil Nadu, India. This Hindu temple was built during the reign of Rajaraja Chola II in the mid 12th century

Shiva Nataraja. Bronze. 12th century. India
Shiva Nataraja. 12th century. Bronze, Chola style. Tamil Nadu, India. Rijksmuseum. Amsterdam. Holland

Hindu god Shiva appears as Nataraja (lord of the dance) dancing in a ring of fire. In his hair is a small representation of the goddess Ganga

Bronze figure of Nataraja. Chola dynasty. Around 1100 AD. Br
Bronze figure of Nataraja. From Tamil Nadu, southern India. Chola dynasty. Around 1100 AD. British Museum. London. England. United Kingdom

Illustration of Chola granite statue of seated Brahma, India

Bronze figure of NatarajaFrom Tamil Nadu, southern India. Chola dynasty, around AD 1100. Dancing Shiva in a ring of fire. The Hindu god Shiva as lord of the dance, Nataraja, in a ring of fire

Nepal Kanchenjunga
The Chola Pass, with Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, first climbed in 1955

Balustrade, carved elephant and Shivas chariot at entrance to Airavatesvara Temple built by Chola King Rajaraja II between 1146 and 1172 AD, at Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu state, India

Sculpted tower over santuary of Airavatesvara Temple built by Chola King Rajaraja II between 1146 and 1172 AD, at Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu state, India, Asia

Vimana tower and central shrine of Brihadisvara Temple, dating from early Chola period of King Rajendra I between 985 and 1012 AD, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu state

Second entrance gate to Brihadisvara Temple, dating from early Chola period of King Rajendra I between 985 and 1012 AD, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu state, India, Asia

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The Chola period in India, specifically in the region of Thanjavur, is renowned for its exquisite murals and paintings. One of the most iconic examples is found at the Brihadeeswarar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple showcases the grandeur and artistic brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Amongst these captivating artworks is a depiction of Shiva Nataraja, also known as the King of Dance. Dating back to 850-1100 AD, this portrayal captures Shiva's dynamic dance movements with intricate details and symbolism. It represents his cosmic role as both creator and destroyer. Another remarkable sculpture from South India during this period is that of Venugopala. These figures showcase a fusion between late Chola and early Vijayanagar styles. The delicate craftsmanship brings out every nuance in their expressions and attire, reflecting devotion towards Krishna. Rajaraja Chola himself was so captivated by his empire's achievements that he inspected bas-reliefs depicting his exploits at Tanjore in 995 AD. This lithograph immortalizes his reverence for artistry and history. Shiva Nataraja remains an enduring symbol of the Chola Dynasty's artistic prowess. Crafted from bronze during the 12th century, it exemplifies their mastery over metalwork while embodying divine grace. While we delve into Indian art history, it's fascinating to note connections beyond borders too. An elder woman sitting before a door in Copacabana reminds us how diverse cultures can intersect across continents – here connecting Bolivia with our exploration of Indian heritage. Even Buddhism found its place within Chola artistry through sculptures like Buddha with Left Hand Gesture (Varadamudra) or Seated in Meditation (Dhyanamudra). These pieces reflect not only religious devotion but also highlight how various faiths coexisted harmoniously during this era. The legacy left behind by the Cholas continues to inspire and awe us today.