Nataraja Bronze Sculpture for G20 Summit Venue

  • August 26, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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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.

History Nataraja Bronze Sculpture for G20 Summit Venue