Bronze sculpting is one of the unique skillsets of ancient India. The Dancing Girl bronze from the Harappan civilization is believed to be at least 3,500–4,000 years old.

Over time, this art form reached its peak during the Chola period. Chola bronzes are so exquisite that they have attracted smuggling networks. You may read Idol Thief by Vijay Kumar for more on this topic, but it is not the focus of this post.

One afternoon, my first boss called my colleague and me for a discussion. Thiruvarangulam, a place on the outskirts of Pudukkottai Town in Tamil Nadu, was also part of the discussion. This place is home to a beautiful Shiva temple dedicated to Sri Haratirthesvara. In Tamil, it is called Thiru Aran Kula Nathar.

The main shrine dates back to the 12th century. Around that time, the Chola dynasty had already conquered parts of northern Sumatra, the Khmer Empire was prominent in Angkor, the Srivijaya Empire was ruling the Malay Peninsula (though its dominance was declining), and the Majapahit Kingdom had not yet been established.

My boss mentioned that the temple once housed a stunning bronze statue of Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. This statue is now prominently displayed in the Delhi Museum. He marveled at it, saying it is one of the best Nataraja bronzes ever sculpted—perhaps the second best.

Nataraja performs his cosmic dance on the dwarf Muyalaka, who is positioned on a padma peetam (lotus pedestal). Nataraja has four hands, two on each side. In his upper right hand, he holds a damaru (udukkai); his lower right hand displays the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness); his upper left hand holds fire; and his lower left hand is in a dancing pose. His legs are elegantly positioned in a dancing stance. The entire balance of the Nataraja bronze rests on his hands and the dancing Muyalaka.

I have yet to visit the museum and see this masterpiece in person. One day, I will go.

Reading recommendation –

• Thiruvarangulam, Prof S Swaminathan, M V Kiran
• Thiruvarangulam Nataraja, Indian culture website

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