QUE: Describe in detail the architecture, sculpture and painting of the Chola period.

 The Chola rulers were enthusiastic creators and artists also displayed their skills in sculpture and painting in addition to architecture. Therefore, the Dravidian architectural style reached its peak during the Chola period.

•  Confluence of sculpture and painting with architecture during the Chola period

1. First phase:

• The Chola rulers built a large number of stone temples in their capital, of which the early ‘Choleshwar Temple’ is the most famous due to its circular sanctum sanctorum, vimana and outer walls with pillars. Along with this, the idols of the gatekeepers are also carved in an exquisite manner.
  
•  The ‘Nageshwar Temple’ built in Kumbakonam during this period is also more beautiful due to the statues of Ardha Nari, Brahma, Dakshinamurthy and many human figures built around its sanctum sanctorum.

2. Second phase:

• The ‘Koranganath Temple’ built during the period of Parantaka I represents the second phase of this period. In which, apart from the sanctum sanctorum, mandapa, and antarala, the Dakshinamurthy of Durga sitting with lions, devotees and Ganas built on the wall is an excellent work of art in terms of architecture.

• 3. The state of excellence:
  
  The temples of Tanjore and Gangaikondacholapuram built in Trichinapalli are excellent temples of Chola architecture.
  
•  The ‘Rajarajeshwar Brihadeshwar Temple’ built by Rajaraja I is the largest and longest temple in India, built with granite stones. In addition, it has an attractive sanctum, a high vimana, a pyramid-shaped spire, a single statue of Nandi and beautiful murals painted on the walls.

 Similarly, the ‘Gangaikodcholapuram Temple’ built by Rajendra Chola is also famous for its grandeur and artistic beauty.

•  Sculpture
  

• During the time of the Chola kings, numerous sculptures and statues were carved on the walls of the temples, but apart from that, Brahma, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Rama-Sita, Balakrishna dancing on Kaliyanag, etc. were also made.
  
• In addition, the bronze statue of Nataraja found in Tiruvalgadu is also an excellent example of Indian metal sculpture.
  
•  And the ‘Chandeshanugraha statue’ of Shiva from this period is also very famous and the ‘Darasuram temple’ is a large collection of statues with all the mudras of Natyashastra.
  
• Painting
  

• During this period, the most attractive paintings have been found on the walls of the Brihadeshwara temple, which are related to mythology. In which Durgama killing a demon, paintings of Rajaraj’s family worshipping Shiva, various pastimes of Shiva, etc. are seen.
  
•  Thus, we can conclude that the Chola period has a rich history in terms of architecture, sculpture and painting.