Consider the following statements with reference to the Nataraj bronze sculpture of Chola period : 1. Shiva is shown balancing himself on his right leg representing tirobhava. 2. Shiva is shown raising his left leg in bhujangatrasita stance, representing kicking away the illusion from the devotee's mind. 3. The main right hand holds the damaru, Shiva's favourite musical instrument. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is B, 2 only. In the Chola Nataraja it is the raised left leg, in the bhujangatrasita pose, that stands for tirobhava, kicking away the veil of illusion from the devotee's mind.
The bronze shows Shiva as the Lord of Dance inside a ring of flames. He balances on his right leg, and with the foot of that leg he crushes Apasmara, the dwarf demon of ignorance and forgetfulness. The upper right hand holds the damaru, whose beat stands for creation; the upper left hand holds fire, for destruction. The main right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, the gesture of protection, and the main left hand points to the raised foot.
A and D are wrong because statement 1 is false: the right leg suppresses Apasmara, while tirobhava is shown by the raised left leg. C is wrong because statement 3 is false: the damaru is in the upper right hand, and the main right hand gives abhaya.
Exam tip: right leg on Apasmara, left leg raised for tirobhava, damaru in the upper right hand, abhaya in the main right hand.
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