Nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, the historic city of Thanjavur boasts a profound influence on the region’s arts and culture. Jvala’s travel paths are carefully crafted to enhance art appreciation. These journeys aim to shed light on the parameters that define excellence in the world of arts and culture. By exploring the artistic excellence of generations that have left their mark on the world, we can break free from our own limitations and misconceptions. The knowledge gained through these experiences enriches our understanding of art and rejuvenates our lives.
In this exploration, we will take you on a journey through five remarkable contributions to arts and culture, with a particular focus on Thanjavur, a city that served as the epicenter of cultural renaissance between the 7th and 17th centuries.
- The Great Living Chola Temples
The Great Living Chola temple is a trilogy comprising the Brigadeeshwara temple at Thanjavur, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple at Jayankondam, and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram. Although South India is the land of temples: where there are older and larger temples with taller gopuram-s, the Chola Living temples stand out for the simple reason that here is where it all began.
- Historical Significance
The ‘here’ is a reference to the time period in History that influenced religion, culture, art, and state thereon. These temples, monumental cultural centers, and places of worship today, were neither a tīrtha (sacred fords) nor a kṣetra (soil of merit) when conceived. The temples were consecrated to be a sacred space which expanded the kingdom and eased governance.
Image credit: https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/ - Architectural Marvels
Also, the temples are the pinnacle in the developmental stages of the Dravidian style of architecture under the Chola-s, nourishing and nurturing what was left behind by the Pallava-s. On the note of originality, the Dravidian style of architecture is an important chapter in studying the history of world architecture. The uninterrupted temple ritualistic practices through the ages is another criterion for why UNESCO decided to call it ‘Living Temples’ rather than ‘Heritage monuments’.
- Historical Significance
- Chola Bronze
- Capturing Nature’s Proportions
The artistic stylizations incorporated in the Chola temple art and bronze sculptures adhere to unique measures that capture the proportions of Nature’s design patterns. The distance between the eyes; the length of the ears; the proportion of the ears to the ear lobes; the measure from the tip of the crown to the forehead; the length and distance of the arm when falling, or when bent; the point of center, or the navel: everything is as per the measures mentioned in the śilpa śastra. - Sacredness and Devotion
Since these measures are mathematical; and mathematics is an exact science, the mind-born forms emerging from the rigor of austerities and the process of lost wax itself used by the sculptor, adds to its sacredness. Therefore, the forms are revered as God, and idols worthy of devotion.
- Scientific and Artistic Symbolism
Talk about originality: the attributes of the forms like the things or the gestures held by God, echo varied principles of the Cosmos; and so CERN houses a Nataraja as the only artistic symbol that closely matches their exploratory activities and engagements in Science. On a similar note, recently, the Grammy award winner Ricky Kej composed a song ‘Art of Devotion’, featuring the Chola bronze art and artisans.
- Capturing Nature’s Proportions
- Thanjavur Dolls
Image credits: https://authindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Thanjavur-dolls-.jpeg
- Cultural Imprint
A society’s cultural imprint can be measured in various ways. If art is one element, then the other element is the toys and games that belonged to a period. India has a long history when it comes to toys since the time of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization; and in that sense, the Thanjavur bommai-s are also very significant as it is a long-standing craft going back to the times of Maratha. - Types and Design
There are two types of Thanjavur dolls (bommai) – the bobblehead dolls (thalaiyati bommai) and the other is the tilting doll version (sanjadu bommai). The classic bobblehead is the dancing girl that consists of three parts – the head, the chest and arms, and the skirt, one stacked on the other. The interesting aspect of the design is how the artisans manage the center of gravity concentrated at the base such that tapping on any one part will gently oscillate the others, mirroring the sway of a dance.
- Spiritual Significance
Since medieval India was so deeply rooted in culture, the design of the doll imitating a dance(r), is most definitely spiritually loaded. The origin of the dolls goes back to King Saraboji’s times (19th Century), and what makes it original is that the Government of India has issued a geographical indication (GI) recognizing these dolls as a heritage craft of the region.
- Cultural Imprint
- Thanjavur Paintings
- Migration and Stylization
When Hampi weakened and fell with the decline of the Vijayanagara kingdom; losing patronage, many artistic families like Chitragars and Naidus who were traditionally painters got displaced. Some migrated to Mysore, while others to Thanjavur, seeking the patronage of the Nayaka-s who were governing it now independently.
Image credits: https://www.indiamike.com/ - Unique Characteristics
The forms were rounded and chubby, with eyes resembling the shape of almonds. The colors used were natural dyes and the usage of colors was salient to the forms. The shading was more to imply volume and was not about perspective and lighting; hence, many times the colors will look too flat. The canvas varied based on affordability. Traditionally wood panels were used, but there were paintings done on ivory too. What makes the painting rich and unique is the gold leaves and glass or semi-precious stones used for jewelry.
- Unity in Diversity
A word on originality – Thanjavur paintings and Mysore paintings are classical examples that display the unity and diversity of India. Although the subjects depicted are the same, the local influences refined the forms, making it stylized and regional.
- Migration and Stylization
- Saraswathi Mahal
- This segment on original contributions to arts and culture will not be complete without mentioning the Maratha-s. Between the Nayaka-s and Maratha-s taking over, Thanjavur briefly fell into the hands of the Sultanate.
Picture credits : https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/saraswathi-mahal-library - Maratha Patronage
Although it was brief, it was the most difficult period as Thanjavur was the cultural seat, and artists in various disciplines – ranging from metallurgy to performing artists were thriving here. With the Maratha-s defeating the Sultanate, Thanjavur regained its shine.
- Saraswathi Mahal Library
The greatest contribution of the Maratha-s is that they continued the patronage for artistic traditions. Their single most defining legacy in Thanjavur is the library, Saraswathi Mahal. This library still remains, and it is one of the oldest libraries in Asia and has on display some rare palm leaf manuscripts and Ayurvedic records including patient histories.
- This segment on original contributions to arts and culture will not be complete without mentioning the Maratha-s. Between the Nayaka-s and Maratha-s taking over, Thanjavur briefly fell into the hands of the Sultanate.
Conclusion
Originality need not always be about creating something new; it can also be just preserving and guarding something original. The contributions of the Cholas and the subsequent rulers in Thanjavur have not only left an indelible mark on Indian arts and culture but also served as a testament to the enduring legacy of these ancient civilizations. By exploring and appreciating these transformative contributions, we not only gain a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage of Thanjavur but also connect with our ancestors’ profound spirituality and creativity. These treasures from the past continue to inspire and enrich our lives in the present day.
