Characteristics of people (during the Pallava period)

Men and women in the sculptural art of this period are depicted as tall and well-built in stature. They are generally shown having pleasing appearance, tall stature and well built body. Even though few sculptures can be identified as portraits of royal personages, yet the physiognomical features show that they are all idealized forms and are not exact replica of the persons thus portrayed. The sculptures of this period reveal that people belonged to different occupational groups. They can be identified as Royal personages, or persons associated with royal court like Courtiers, Courtesans, Servants like guards, fly-whisk bearers, umbrella-bearers, etc; persons working in the army like generals, soldiers, mahouts, etc.; Religious personages like sages, ascetics, brahmanas, temple servants, dancing girls and those of general nature like musicians, wrestlers, theatre artisans. Depiction of common people like the pastoral class and hunters can also be seen.