SOUTH INDIA

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Shiva Gajasura, Chola period

Dancing Lord Shiva. Chola period. Chennai museum

The temples and museums of South India are replete with stunning works of art. Some of the most captivating comes from the Chola period, around 9th to 11th centuries. Chola figures are invariably slim-waisted and elegant. There is freshness and charm in Chola art that was only matched in the south by the sublime carving from Amaravati a thousand years before.

This lively carving illustrates the legend of 'Shiva Gajasura'. Gajasura was an elephant-demon who tricked Shiva and thus concealed the god within the elephant's stomach. It's a long and wonderful story which eventually was resolved when Shiva was able to emerge from the elephant and kill the offending demon.

Here is Shiva with the elephant skin draped around him like a cloak. Above, are the hind legs and below Shiva's feet is the head of the demon-elephant. The god stands perfectly balanced on one leg despite the effort of flinging the elephant hide around him. A demure, Parvati stands below admiring her Lord.

This great statue stands near the entrance of the Thanjavur Museum. Join our South India tour to greet these images in person.

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Spaces on the Silk and Spice tour are limited, so if you are interested, check the page:

 Silk and Spice  South India: Feb - Mar 2005

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Our Warp and Weft tour focuses on the textiles and crafts of northern India.

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revision 29ma04
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