This specific piece is thought to come from an imperial Chola workshop. The Chola dynasty (c. 850 CE-1250 CE) dominated India’s southeastern plain for four centuries. The dynasty ushered in a new era of cultural progress in literature, art, music, and the Hindu religion. This period's sculpture and architecture impress viewers through its grandeur and intricacy. Many people associate it with the quote from architectural historian James Fergusson: "The Chola artists conceived like giants and finished like jewelers." The Chola dynasty gained wealth from massive conquests, and used that money to fund their durable stone temples and exquisite bronze statues. The Chola pioneered the sculpting method employed in the magnificent bronze statues of Hindu deities known as "Chola bronzes."
Bronze sculptures were mainly kept in Hindu temples. The temples are devoted to a distinct god, and its main purpose is to house that god there. The Hindu religion holds that a god's bodily form can inhabit the image of that god. Devotees have the chance to communicate with the god directly thanks to their power to summon the god's actual presence. All Hindu worship, or darshan, which literally translates as "to see and be seen in return," is centered on this encounter. The main purpose of visiting a temple is to experience this visual encounter, which the devotee and the deity both share.
The most known example of Chola sculptures is this sculpture of Shiva. Shiva Nataraja, the representation in this image, achieved historic popularity for its ability to showcase several Indian beliefs at once. Click on the link to read more about the Hindu symbolism of Shiva Nataraja.
This 14-minute video from the Legends of History breaks down the myth of Ganesha’s creation and other myths exploring his different characteristics. It also explains variations in Ganesha images and their meanings.
Modern Ganesha- The British Museum
Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chavithi, is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated every year between mid-August and September. The festival marks the birthday of Ganesh, and culminates in a final day of procession with sculptures of the god, which are then immersed in bodies of water.
While these idols are traditionally made from clay, modern industry brought a change of material and encouraged the production of plaster Ganesh sculptures. The pollution from the plaster sculptures is becoming an issue in local communities. Volunteers involved in clearing the remains of immersed idols in various rivers in the city of Coimbatore said that eco-friendly idols made of materials such as clay now account for less than 5% of the total idols immersed. It has started a discussion in India to potentially ban immersing plaster-made sculptures.
This illustration may be a frontispiece for a narrative text based on the "lone Ganesha figure." The image of Ganesha alone is a popular figure to call on to ensure the successful completion of rituals.
Ganesh can be portrayed in a variety of positions, each of which represents a different value. For example, standing represents firmness, a good attitude, and a commitment to action. Ganesha statues are frequently seen dancing, lounging, sitting, or standing. While the first two are frequently worshipped, the seated and standing ones are typically kept at home merely for aesthetic purposes. This seated Ganesha was therefore liekly intended for personal, home use.
The positions of Ganesh’s truck also signify different values. Most depictions of Ganesh have his trunk facing left. The left side of the body represents feminine energy. This icon is believed to represent the calming aspect of Ganesh, and is preferred for placement in homes to invoke relaxation and peace.
