The temples constructed over the centuries boast of the sculptures, exhibiting the Indian artisans' talent. The numerous sculptures on temple walls are all hewn out of hard rock & last to date. Rock-cut architecture was perfected by the Buddhists, and was followed by several Hindu rulers. The Pallavas excelled in this art in the South of India.      

The sculptures or idols in temples are made of granite (if it is mula vigraham) & the Utsava murthis are made of bronze & panchaloha. Apart from these, there are the huge Iyyanar statues & horses which still exist in South Indian villages.    

Terracota (clay figurines) is an art in which various techniques are folowed by artisans in different parts of India. Sculptures are also made in various other metals such as brass, copper, white metal, glass, papier-mache, etc.,    
   
Rock-cut architecture    
Sculptural details -    
Natarajar temple chariot, Chidambaram .....  1 ...  2 ...  3 ...   
Sculptural details -    
Brihadeeswarar Temple........  1 ......  2 ......  3 ......   
Sculptures in 1000 pillared Hall, Meenakshi Temple  
Metal Sculptures
Contemporary sculptures, Mahabalipuram
Photographs of Mahabalipuram taken in June 2003 by Ken   
www.romancing-the-tea.com/gallery/MAHABALIPURAM 
kalaakruti.com - Murals, Fibre / Metal / Syporax Carvings by Nitin Potnis, an established sculptor  
www.kalaakruti.com
   

 
 
 
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