Nataraja Bronze Sculpture for G20 Summit Venue

Nataraja Bronze Sculpture for G20 Summit Venue

Subject: History

Section: Art and Culture

Introduction:

• A 28-feet Nataraja bronze sculpture, considered the world’s tallest of its kind, is set to adorn the G20 Leaders’ Summit venue in New Delhi.
• The statue hails from Swamimalai, a small town in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district known for its bronze sculptures. (GI Tag)
• The Union Culture Ministry commissioned the sculpture on February 20, 2023.

Details of the Sculpture:

• The statue weighs 19 tonnes and is made from eight metals, including gold, silver, lead, copper, tin, mercury, iron, and zinc (Ashtadhatu).
• Crafted by Srikanta Stapathi and his brothers Radhakrishna Stapathi and Swaminatha Stapathi, sons of the renowned sculptor Devasenapathy Stapathi.
• The sculpture follows the Chola period’s Nataraja models, specifically those from Chidambaram and Konerirajapuram.
• It stands at 22 feet in height, with a 6-foot pedestal, making the complete structure 28 feet tall.

Significance and Symbolism:

• The Nataraja statue symbolizes Lord Shiva’s dance and is an iconic representation of Tamil culture.
• Chola bronzes, noted for their beauty and craftsmanship, hold a prestigious place in the art world.

Swamimalai Bronze Statues of Tamil Nadu: GI-Tagged Craft

Origins:

• Swamimalai artisans (sthapathi) create bronze statues using the ancient lost wax technique.
• The tradition started during the Chola dynasty with temple construction fostering diverse crafts.

Crafting Tools:

• Traditional tools like leaf strips for measurements, spatula for wax shaping, and knife for carving.
• Scraper refines relief, soldering iron smooths wax, hammer-chisel removes excess metal.
• Engraving tools, files, and forceps for intricate carving.

Casting Process:

• Sculptors utilized the ‘lost-wax’ casting method, a time-tested technique since the Chola era.
• Beeswax-resin-groundnut oil mixture is used to create a wax model based on Agama Shastra.
• The process involves creating a wax model encased in clay; the clay is sourced from the alluvial soil near the Cauvery River in Swamimalai.
• Model covered in loam, holes drilled for metal pouring, then cooled to harden.
• Molten bronze is poured into the hot mold, breaking it after cooling, and details are carved, with emery paper polish.

Evolution:

• The Chola dynasty’s temple construction attracted artisans to Swamimalai.
• Sthapatis continued the bronze statue-making tradition over centuries.

Diverse Creations:

• Initially religious statues, primarily Hindu deities.
• Present demand extends to cultural figures, like Ramayana and Mahabharata heroes.

GI Tag:

• Swamimalai Bronzes was awarded a Geographical Indicator (GI) tag.
• Assures authenticity for consumers, especially for international buyers.
• Guarantees genuine, original craft from the region.