Question

The statue of Nataraja, a masterpiece in sculpture, is preserved in the museum at __________.
A. Delhi
B. Mumbai
C. Kolkata
D. Chennai

Answer 1

Hint:
 The masterpiece of Chola sculpture is the popular Natraja. It was the Dancing Shiva image at the great temple of Chidambaram. The Nataraja was described as the cultural epitome of the great Chola period. Nataraja was the Hindu God Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer. It was represented in the metal or stone in many Shaivite temples, mainly in South India.

Complete solution:
Nataraja, massive yet elegant statue cast in bronze metal. It represents the Shiva as passionately engaged in ecstatic dance. It is preserved at the National Museum, New Delhi. In the dance, the smiling Shiva is performing the Tandava. It is the cosmic dance which is creating both - destroys the universe.

Additional Information:
As a symbol, Shiva Nataraja is the brilliant invention of its kind. It combines in a single image the roles of Shiva as creator, preserver, and destroyer all. It also conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in the sculpture of the fifth century in India, At the present time world-famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva's dance is set inside a flaming halo. The God is holding in his upper right hand the damaru. In his upper left hand, Shiva holds the Agni. With his lower right hand, he is making abhayamudra. The dwarflike figure being trampled by his right foot, which represents the apasmara Purusha

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
 It is the oldest free-standing stone sculptures of Nataraja. It was built by Chola queen Sembiyan Mahadevi. Nataraja has gained special significance and hence became a symbol of royalty in the Tamil Nadu region.