This article deals with topic titled ‘Metal Sculpture .’ This is part of our series on ‘Culture’ . For more articles , you can click here

Table of Contents

Introduction

Lost wax (Cire-Perdu) technique is known to Indians since Indus Valley & bronze from 5,000 years
Earliest Bronze sculpture is dancing girl from Mohenjodaro. Similar group of bronze statues have been discovered on archaeological excavation at Daimabad (Maharashtra) datable to 1500 BCE.
Bronze sculptures & statues of Buddhist,hindu and deities of 2nd to 6th century have been found which were mainly used for ritual worship

Jain Images

At Chausa (Bihar) , Bronze Images of Jain tirathankaras belonging to kushana period have been found
Most remarkable is depiction of Adinath who is identified with long hairs (all other tirathankaras have short hairs)

Most metal Buddha images in North are in Abhayamudra
Commonly found in UP& Bihar from Gupta & post gupta period & also in Maharashtra from Vakataka (Guptas & Vakatakas were contemporary)
In Abhayamudra right hand is free so that drapery(cloth) clings to right side of body. Result is continuous flowing line on this side of figure. At level of ankles of Buddha figure the drapery makes curvilinear turn as it is held by hand
Two such bronze statues are very famous ie Sultanganj Buddha & Phopnar Vakataka Buddha
Advantage of these- monks can carry them from one place to other as they are portable for purpose of worship

About Sultanganj Buddha

In medieval times , this tradition emerged
In this deity leaves the sanctum & becomes approachable to all
Deity in many manifestations of human forms comes to street. Sometimes perform the journey to a place of pilgrimage or even to seashore to enjoy the breeze

During Chola period from 10th to 12th century , Bronze Murthis became extremely popular
Tradition of modelling followed in India & especially South India was entirely different from European tradition using Models
In India , images were made using mnemonic technique . In this craftsmen were meant to memorise dhyana shaloka which describe the attributes of various goddesses and gods & they used taalamana system of measurement to essentially visualise image & then sculpt it out of their own imagination rather than using models
Taalamana system of Iconography is derived from Shilpa Shastra
Taalamana system is system of measurement by Taala (ie palm ) & scale of 1 taala to 10 taalas was used

Most magnificent image in Bronze
Nataraja represents Shiva in his cosmic Dance ie Dance with which he destroys and creates world
One of the greatest icons created by man

Oval Ring around original figure
Represents cosmic fire which he uses to destroy the universe as part of cycle of destruction and creation
Three edged but in 12 th century 5 edged were also produced

Hindu deities are represented with multiple arms to represent their divine powers
His four arms take different positions or hold symbolic objects showing his strength & constellation of skills

Right ear	Earring depicting Makara(=mythical water creature )
Left ear	Circular earring worn by women

1 Left hand	Points downward => pointing sanctuary of the soul of the devotee
1 Right Hand	Open palm in Abhyamudra => worshipper needn’t fear
2 Right Hand	Damru => that Shiva beats to bring universe into creation
2 Left. Hand	Cosmic fire to end cycle of creation and destruction
Metted locks of Jatta	Reflect his role as yogi
Moon in Hair	Shiva is associated with moon in number of narratives

Balancing on right leg & suppressing Apasmara (=demon of ignorance or forgetfulness)
Left leg raised in Bhujangatrasita stance which represent kicking away veil of maya or illusion from devotees mind