National Gallery of Australia returns 14 artworks including Chola idols

What is the News?

The National Gallery of Australia(NGA) has announced that it would return 14 works of art from its Asian art collection to India. The art collection includes the dancing child-saint Sambandar of the 12th century, belonging to the Chola dynasty.

About Chola Dynasty:

• The Chola Dynasty is a Tamil dynasty. It ruled primarily in southern India until the thirteenth century.
• Founder: The Chola Empire was founded by Vijayalaya. He took over the Tanjore kingdom in the 8th century by defeating Pallavas. Tanjore was hence made the first capital of the Chola Empire.
• Important Ruler: Rajendra Chola was the important ruler of Chola Empire. He succeeded Rajaraja Chola. He was the first to venture to the banks of the Ganges. Furthermore, he was popularly called the Victor of the Ganges. His new empire capital was called the Gangaikondacholapuram where he received the title of ‘Gangaikonda’.

Culture and Roots:

Society:

• Society and its culture saw massive developments in the reign of the Cholas. In this era, the temple was the main center for all social and religious meetings.
• Several gods and goddesses were worshipped with Shiva being a popular source of strength for the faithful.

Great Living Chola Temples

• The Great Living Chola Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for a group of Chola dynasty-era Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. The temples were completed between the early 11th and the 12th century CE. The monuments include:
  • Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur
  • Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
  • Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.