Question

The masterpiece of Chola sculpture is the famous Nataraja or the Dancing Shiva image at ________.
 (A) Thanjavur
 (B) Chidambaram
 (C) Kalahasti
 (D) Sri-Sailam

Answer 1

Hint: The kingdom of Imperial Cholas are well known for the sculptures, art, literature and music. The Chola Dynasty ruled the southern part of India from 850 C.E. to 1250 C.E. One of the most prominent art works of the Chola Dynasty is Ardhanarishvara in which they have deliberately portrayed the reunion of Shiva and Parvati.

Complete answer:
Nataraja is the dancing portrait of Lord Shiva is in Chidambaram. This was built somewhere around the 11th century. After this, it was constructed in most of the temples of South-India either on a metal or on stones. The image revolves around each and every avatar of Lord Shiva. Though one can see Shiva performing Tandav in the image, yet his many other forms can be seen in the image. That picture portrays Lord Shiva as the producer, preserver and destroyer of the universe. His right hand in the upper side is holding the damru, left hand in the upper side is carrying the agni which signifies that fire is capable of destroying the whole Universe. Moving down, from his lower right hand he is posing as abhaya mudra. With his right foot, he signifies the dwarf-like figure. His hairs are flying in the air in that sculpture which symbolizes the energy one must put in the work he wants to get success. It also motivates people to believe in hard-work and success.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: The image of Nataraja or the Dancing Shiva's image is protected and maintained in the National Museum at Delhi. The sculpture was made by Sembiyan Mahadevi, who was the queen of Chola Dynasty. The sculpture of Nataraja is the oldest statue of stone which is standing free.