Page 53 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

THE HIST OR Y OF INDIA  51

Architecture
The Brihadishvara Temple (see pp602–603) at
Thanjavur, King Rajaraja I’s capital, represents
the zenith of Chola temple architecture, which
is distinguished by its monumental scale and
towering sculpted spires and gateways.

Sculpture
This Ardhanarishvara (half
man, half woman) image
of Shiva, symbolizing the
union of male and female
aspects, exemplifies the
superb grace of Chola
bronze sculpture. Other
famous sculptures portray
queens, princely warriors,
scenes from Shaivite
texts, and Shiva as
Nataraja, the God
of Dance.

Religion
The Chola kings, who spent lavishly on
Soldiers used religion, worshipped Shiva, but Vishnu
swords and worship was also popular in South India.
shields with This stone sculpture of Harihara, a
great skill.
composite of Shiva and Vishnu, symbolizes
a bridge between the two sects.

Seat of Power
Gangaikondacholapuram (see p596) was built in 1035 by
King Rajendra I as his new capital, after his successful military Dance and Music
expedition to the Gangetic Valley in northern India. The Hundreds of musicians and dancers
temple here, watched over by Shiva’s bull Nandi, also served performed at the Chola temples every
as a treasury, and a cultural and educational centre. evening, under royal patronage.

050-051_EW_India.indd 51 26/04/17 11:42 am