Stone statues

since the 8th century with the rise of the Pala and Chola Empire in south India, Bronze statues have played a key role in shaping the mythology surrounding the Hindu religion and the Hindu gods. They have given the people a tangible deity to worship as well as bringing the stories surrounding the Hindu gods into their lives.Bronzes from South India exhibit characters from the Hindu mythology such as goddess Lakshimi, Ganesha and Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja (king of dance). The most famous among the bronze sculptures are the 'Nataraja', Lord Shiva performing the 'Ananda Tandava' (the dance of joy) that represents knowledge, happiness and the destruction of evil. The details of the deities, clothes, face and ornaments are exquisitely molded.