Shiva Nataraja

Unknown artist

Nataraja, the lord of dance, is one of the most famous manifestations of Shiva. This form probably arose in the 9th or 10th century in southeast India (the present state of Tamil Nadu), and was extremely popular under the Chola dynasty (9th-13th century). In contrast to the large Nataraja in the middle of the gallery, this sculpture was probably not meant for use in a temple, but rather in a house altar.