Art
From Stone to Story: High and Bas-Relief Sculptures of Brihadeeswara
The Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is a towering testament to the artistic brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Constructed under the reign of Rajaraja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD, this architectural masterpiece is renowned for its intricate carvings, exquisite sculptures and sophisticated relief work.
Architectural Feats and Sculptural Brilliance
Built primarily of granite, the large blocks of stone used in the temple's construction were transported from quarries located 31 miles away. Ingeniously, these stones were raised to the required heights using inclined planes. One of the temple's most fascinating features is that despite its towering height, it does not cast a distinct shadow on the ground — a testament to the precise arrangement of stones.
The temple's centerpiece is a massive lingam made from a single piece of stone, weighing an astonishing 20 tons, making it one of the largest in India. Even more impressive is the temple's granite dome, weighing 80 tons and constructed without modern engineering tools, showcasing the incredible ingenuity of the Chola artisans.
High-Relief Sculptures: Depth and Dramatic effects
High-relief sculptures are a highlight of Brihadeeswara Temple, showcasing the artisans' ability to create depth and dimension. These sculptures, which project significantly from their background, make the figures appear lifelike and dynamic. The extensive projection allows for detailed facial expressions, intricate clothing and flowing hair to be prominently displayed.
- Example: Nataraja
One of the most iconic high-relief sculptures at Brihadeeswara Temple is that of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer form of Lord Shiva. This sculpture captures the dynamic movement of Shiva's dance, with his limbs and hair swirling around him. The depth of the carving emphasizes the fluidity and grace of the dance, making the figure seem almost in motion. The play of light and shadow on these sculptures enhances their dramatic effect, making them appear more vivid and animated.
Bas-Relief Sculptures: Subtlety and Storytelling
In contrast, bas-relief (or low-relief) sculptures project only slightly from the background, allowing for seamless integration with the architectural elements. This technique is ideal for detailed storytelling and intricate designs that cover large surfaces.
Bas-relief panels serve an educational purpose, depicting cultural and mythological stories that convey moral and spiritual lessons to devotees and visitors.
- Example: Mythological Narratives
The temple walls are adorned with bas-relief panels that narrate stories from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as various Puranic tales. One notable bas-relief depicts the legend of Ravana lifting Mount Kailash. These panels showcase multiple figures in a single composition, with each character intricately detailed yet harmoniously integrated into the overall narrative. The shallow depth of bas-relief ensures that the figures remain clear and readable, even from a distance, enhancing the temple's narrative clarity.
Integration and Symbolism
The artisans of Brihadeeswara Temple skillfully combined high-relief and bas-relief techniques to create a cohesive visual narrative. High-relief sculptures often highlight focal points like temple entrances and main shrines, while bas-relief panels adorn the walls and corridors, providing a continuous flow of stories and symbols. This strategic placement enhances the temple's spiritual and aesthetic experience.
Artistic Techniques and Challenges
Creating these detailed sculptures in granite posed significant challenges due to the stone's hardness and durability. The artisans used a variety of chisels and hammers to carve the granite, starting with rough shaping and progressively moving to finer details. Their precision in carving facial expressions, intricate jewelry, and elaborate headdresses is a testament to their expertise.
Techniques:
* Chiseling and Carving: Precise chiseling methods were employed to achieve the fine details necessary for high and bas-relief sculptures.
* Polishing: After carving, the surfaces were often polished to smooth the stone and enhance the visual appeal, making the intricate details stand out more prominently.
Conclusion
The sculptures and reliefs of Brihadeeswara Temple are profound expressions of the Chola dynasty's artistic and architectural brilliance. Through their intricate carvings, high-relief and bas-relief techniques, the artisans of this temple have created a timeless narrative that continues to inspire awe and reverence.
Brinda Pamulapati, owner/managing director, of Venvi Art Gallery in Tallahassee, can be reached at (850) 322-0965 or visit www.VenviArtGallery.com