Question

Which of the following are major features of Chola age paintings?
1. They were often done on temple panels
2. They show narrations and aspects related to Lord Shiva
3. They avoid depictions of humans and plants
Select the correct answer using the codes below
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

Hint: The Dravidian art and architecture were in constant improvement and refinement during the period of Cholas in South India. The temples and passages in Tamil Nadu have exclusive works of Chola art. The greatest of all Chola temples is the Brihadishvara temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

Complete answer: The rich and ancient history of the Chola dynasty is depicted through distinct sculptures and murals on the walls of the temples of Thanjavur. It is where the first Chola paintings discovered. From floor to ceiling, the walls of this temple are covered with two layers of paintings.
Most of the pictures seen in temples like Brihadishvara are engraved on solid wood boards. The themes of Chola age paintings are mostly based on Hindu mythology including depictions of Lord Siva, the marriage of Lord Siva and Parvathi, Ravana at Kailasa mountain and themes of Ramayana. These can be seen on several Chola temple panels.
The technique of mural painting used in Chola paintings is found to be using a smooth batter of limestone mixture applied over the stones, which takes two to three days to set. Large murals were painted with natural organic pigments within that time.

Option (A): Paintings were done on temple panels and also show narrations and aspects related to Lord Shiva. Thus the option (A) is correct.
Option (B): Along with narrations of Lord Shiva, depictions of humans and plants are also portrayed as part of Chola age works. Examples of this can particularly be seen at temples of Thanjavur. Thus this option is incorrect.
Option (C): Since statement 1 is right and statement 3 is incorrect, this option is not relevant and is false.
Option (D): Since statements 1 and 2 are only true and 3 is wrong, this option is not applicable.
The option (A) is correct.

Note: A UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for a group of Hindu temples in Chola dynasty is the Great Living Chola Temples. The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram and the temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram along with the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur are the three Great Living Chola Temples in India.