Bronzed Perfection
Tamil Nadu’s bronze Nataraja statues dazzle the grounds of Connaught Place, New Delhi.
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As a symbol, Shiva Nataraja is a brilliant invention. It combines in a single image Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, world-famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas. Shiva's dance is set within a flaming halo. The god holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure being trampled by his right foot represents apasmara purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). Shiva's front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul. The energy of his dance makes his hair fly to the sides. The symbols imply that, through belief in Shiva, his devotees can achieve salvation.
Geeta Iyer, manager at Tamil Nadu emporium says ,”Panchalogam is five metal mixing i.e gold, silver, copper, lead ,iron, bronze. The way the ancestors used to make it, we also made it the same way so as to preserve the heritage.It is widely believed that wearing jewellery made of Panchaloha / Panchdhatu brings balance in life, self-confidence, good health, fortune, prosperity, and peace of mind”.
Geeta Iyer, manager at the emporium was ever so helpful in explaining to us the process that goes into the creation of these bronze Nataraja statues. “Wax required for making the model or pattern of the icon is prepared by mixing pure bee’s wax, resin from the tree Damara Orientalis, and ground nut oil. The powdered resin is mixed with ground nut oil and the mix is heated until a thick liquid forms. Next, bee’s wax is added to the thick liquid and stirred until it liquefies and gets well mixed. This wax melt is strained through a fine metal sieve or coarse-woven cloth into a container of cold water, thus allowing it to solidify. The wax mix is then used for wax model making. More proportion is of bronze in the articles they sell. We have artisans for all this”, she said explaining the process to us.
The lost wax mould process is used to make every piece, individual wax mould for every showpiece is there. Hot wax is then poured into and showpiece is made.
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Go visit this place if you’re looking for some interesting additions to your home!
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Price : Rs 2000- 12 lacs
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Where to buy: Tamil Nadu emporium
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Located :C-1, State Emporium, Baba Kharak Singh Marg
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Nearest Metro Station : Rajiv Chowk
Contributed by : Paridhi Garg
