Chola Art & Sculpture

The Chola period is renowned for stone sculptures and bronzes, with many fine examples that can be found even today in the temples of South India and museums throughout the world. Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola were patrons of the artists, endowing them with the means and support to create the finest sculptures and bronzes. 

The Brihadishwara temple is a living testament to the value the Cholas placed on art and sculpture and the extent they incorporated it into their most important monuments and temples. The intricate stone carvings, idols and frescos depict scenes from Hindu mythology, dance poses, portraits of Rajaraja and his court as well as everyday life.