INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Nataraja image sculpted by Chola rulers is a depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic ecstatic dancer. The dance of Shiva in Thillai, the traditional name for Chidambaram, forms the motif for all the depictions of Shiva as Nataraja.

Detailed explanation-2: -The masterpiece of Chola sculpture is the popular Natraja. It was the Dancing Shiva image at the great temple of Chidambaram.

Detailed explanation-3: -As the family and state deity, Shiva was the most important authority in the religious, political, and cultural world of the Cholas and their subjects. Although Shiva was depicted in many divine roles, it was the Shiva Nataraja which became a symbol of Chola power.

Detailed explanation-4: -Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja) | Indian (Tamil Nadu) | Chola period (880–1279) | The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Brihadisvara temple at Tanjavur marks the greatest achievement of the Chola architects.