Chola Art and Architecture: Temples, Sculptures and Literature

Chola architecture flourished in southern India, with temples serving as centers of societal, economic, and cultural activities. The Chola rulers, known for their patronage of learning and the arts, left behind a rich legacy of literature, sculpture, and painting. Their temples, including the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples, stand as enduring symbols of their artistic and architectural prowess.

An Overview of Chola Art and Architecture

1. Chola Temples

• Temples as Centers of Activity: The temples became the hub of social, economic, cultural and political activities.
• Temples as Financial Institutions: Temples functioned as banks by advancing loans and by purchasing and receiving endowments and donations. 
  • They also acted as educational centres by providing training in Vedas, music and the arts.
  • Examples: Great Living Chola Temples (UNESCO)(Refer Figure)
    • Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur built by Rajaraja.(Figure A)
    • Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram built by Rajendra I (Figure B)
    • Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram built by Rajaraja II (1146–1172).(Figure C)

• The prime temple officials were 
  • Koyilkanakku (temple accountant)
  • Deva-kanmi (agent of god)
  • Cantesar (temple manager) 
  • Other officials included Koyirramar and Srivaisnavar.
• Involvement of Oil Pressers: The oil pressers called Sankarapadiyar supplied oil to the temple and became part of the functionaries of the temples.
• Performance of “Rajarajanatakam”: A play based on the life of Rajaraja I called Rajarajanatakam was performed in the Thanjavur temple.
  • Traditional dance items like kudak-kuthu and sakkaik-kuthu were depicted as sculptures and paintings in the temples. 
  • Nirutya and Karna poses are shown in sculptural forms in the Thanjavur temple. 
• Traditional Tamil musical instruments were also depicted in a similar way.

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2. Chola Sculptures

• Characteristics: Chola bronze sculptures were often smaller and portable compared to larger temple sculptures, designed for processions and worship outside the temple.
• Ritual Empowerment: These smaller sculptures, called utsavamurti, were empowered through rituals to represent the deities during ceremonies.
• Lost-Wax Casting Technique: still used today, was employed to create Chola bronzes, involving wax modelling covered in clay, melted to leave a hollow space, then filled with molten bronze.
• Aesthetic Excellence: Chola sculptures exemplified a harmony of energy, grace, and dignity.
• • Example: Shiva Nataraja, a famous Chola bronze. 
• Significance of Shiva Nataraja in Chola Art: is highly regarded for its divine, elegant, and abstract form, depicting Shiva in a dynamic dancing pose surrounded by symbolic elements like fire, a drum, and a rearing cobra.

3. Literature

• Patronage of Sanskrit: Chola kings were great patrons of learning who supported Sanskrit education.
• Literary Works: Kamba Ramayanam and Periyapuranam belong to this period.
• Establishment of Vedic College: Rajendra I established Vedic college at Ennayiram (South Arcot district), a Vaishnava centre, where learnings on Vedas, Grammar and Vedanta were provided.

4. Chola Paintings 

• Chola paintings were rich in details and colour, notably adorning the Pradakshina passage of the Brihadesvara temple.
• Emotion in Faces: Chola paintings display strong emotions like anger and compassion on faces, a rare feature in Indian art.
• Development of Art: there was continuous development and enhancement of Dravidian art and architecture.
• Utilization of Wealth: The Cholas used their wealth from widespread invasions to build long-lasting stone temples and beautiful bronze sculptures.
• Realism in Figures: Figures in Chola’s paintings were painted with realism, bringing alive the greatness of the depicted lords.
• Depiction of Lord Shiva: in various forms, such as a warrior on a chariot fighting demons.
• Royal Portraits: Some paintings depict royal figures like Rajaraja Chola I and his preceptor, Karuvur Devar, in moments of intense concentration.
• Apsaras and Gandharas: Flying apsaras and gandharas are depicted in the paintings, adding to the scene’s extravagant proportions.
• Discovery of Paintings: Many Chola paintings were rediscovered when the upper layers were removed for preservation.
• Contribution of Kings: Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola greatly contributed to the growth of painting art during the Chola period.

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Conclusion

The Chola dynasty’s art and architecture were integral to its culture and religion. From the majestic temples adorned with intricate sculptures to the smaller yet powerful bronze figurines, Chola art exemplified a harmonious blend of spirituality and aesthetic excellence. Through their enduring creations, the Cholas continue to inspire for their contributions to the world of art and architecture.

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