Question map
Which one of the following has been an important early Chola painting discovered at the Brihadesvara Temple, Thanjavur in 1931? (a) Buddha with Chauri-bearers on either side (b) Shiva as Yoga-Dakshinamurti (c) Yakshi Kali (d) Parshvanatha with snake-hood and a lion-throne
Explanation
The Brihadesvara Temple in Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I, is a masterpiece of Chola art [3]. In 1931, S.K. Govindaswami discovered Chola frescoes hidden beneath later Nayaka-period paintings in the temple's circumambulatory passage [2]. Among these significant early Chola murals is the depiction of Shiva as Yoga-Dakshinamurti, which showcases the high artistic standard of the period. Other notable murals include Rajaraja I with his spiritual guru Karuvur Devar and scenes of the king worshipping Lord Shiva [4]. These paintings are considered the first specimens of Chola murals ever discovered, extending the known history of Indian painting [2]. While the temple features various iconographic forms like Ardhanarisvara and Bikshadana, the discovery of the Dakshinamurti mural remains a pivotal moment in South Indian art history.
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: Later Cholas and Pandyas > Brihadishvarar Temple > p. 163
- [3] http://indianculture.gov.in/stories/dakshina-meru-brihadeswara-temple
- [2] https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/An-exciting-discovery-and-a-1931-scoop-for-The-Hindu/article12060866.ece
- [4] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: Later Cholas and Pandyas > Religion > p. 161