Image title: Figure 12. Figures playing musical instruments

Left figure is playing Sankha. The figure is in Vaisnava Sthana,Siras is in Nihancita, Urah is in Udvahita, right Kati is raised in Udvahita, Janu is bent in Ardhakuncitam, feet are in Sama, right hand is broken and damaged where as the left hand is holding a Sankha.

On the right side is a male figure playing an Edakya drum. He is in Samapada Sthana. His right foot is straight and both Pada are in Sama. Urah is in Nirbhugna and Kati is in Udvahita on right side. Left hand is holding the drum and right hand is playing it. These figures give you an idea about musical instruments existing during those days like Edakya drum and Sankha.

Music and dance were highly celebrated right from the time of the Cholas. Many of their kings were great patrons of art. It was a common practice for musical instruments to be played when the temple deity was taken in procession during Utsavams.

Gallery information:

Kumbakonam is considered as one of the holiest places in Tamil Nadu and is known for its temples and Mathas (monasteries which were centres of Brahmanical learning). These photographs depict the connection between the sculptures in the temples and Natya Shastra and related texts dealing with iconography.