Consider the following statements about the Ancient Hindu metal images in India :
- 1. The Chola period is well known for the aesthetic and technical finesse of its metal sculpture.
- 2. The iconography and style of Chola metal images were similar to those of their stone counterparts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
Statement 2 is correct. Chola art encompassed both stone and metal sculptures. While each medium has its constraints and possibilities, the iconography (representation of deities, their attributes, postures) and the overall artistic style (facial features, drapery, ornamentation) were largely consistent across stone and metal images within the same period, reflecting the unified artistic tradition of the Chola empire. Differences were mainly in the dynamism possible in bronze casting compared to stone.
Iconography provides a framework for representing deities and narratives, guiding artists across different mediums.