This lesson describes the Chola period as the Golden Age of sculptures. This period is divided into two - that of the early and later Cholas. There is a description of the only remaining Chola painting at Thanjai Peria Coil collections.

The first central unit deals with the sculptures of the Chola period in general. The distinguishing features of the early and late Chola sculptures are discussed in the next two units. The last unit highlights the Peria Coil painting of Thanjavur.

The Chola sculptures are based on mythological stories in general and one theme predominates. Most of the sculptures celebrate the glorious deeds of the Chola Kings in different battles. The early sculptures of Cholas followed the features of Pallava sculptures.

Early Chola sculptures used to have the main God figure at Devakottam and its related sculptures on its both sides. Sculptures at Kodum Palur Muvarcoil, Kumbakonam Nageswarar, Pullamankai Coil and Punchai Coil belong to this period.

Later Chola sculptures include those of Thanjai Peria Koil, Gangai Konda Cholapuram temple and Tharasuram Irawatheswarar temple.

This lesson gives you a birds eye view of Chola sculptures, the distinctive features of Chola sculptures that sets it apart from Pallava and early Pandya sculptures, the great importance given to sculptures by later Cholas and their seeming lack of interest in paintings.