The first book to put the sacred and sensuous bronze statues from
India's Chola dynasty in social context
From the ninth through the thirteenth century, the Chola dynasty of
southern India produced thousands of statues of Hindu deities, whose
physical perfection was meant to reflect spiritual beauty and divine
transcendence. During festivals, these bronze sculptures--including
Shiva, referred to in a saintly vision as "the thief who stole my
heart"--were adorned with jewels and flowers and paraded through towns
as active participants in Chola worship. In this richly illustrated
book, leading art historian Vidya Dehejia introduces the bronzes within
the full context of Chola history, culture, and religion. In doing so,
she brings the bronzes and Chola society to life before our very eyes.
Dehejia presents the bronzes as material objects that interacted in
meaningful ways with the people and practices of their era. Describing
the role of the statues in everyday activities, she reveals not only the
importance of the bronzes for the empire, but also little-known facets
of Chola life. She considers the source of the copper and jewels used
for the deities, proposing that the need for such resources may have
influenced the Chola empire's political engagement with Sri Lanka. She
also investigates the role of women patrons in bronze commissions and
discusses the vast public records, many appearing here in translation
for the first time, inscribed on temple walls.
From the Cholas' religious customs to their agriculture, politics, and
even food, The Thief Who Stole My Heart offers an expansive and
complete immersion in a community still accessible to us through its
exquisite sacred art.
Published in association with the Center for Advanced Study in the
Visual Arts, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC