Splendid Temples and Bronze Sculpture

Question: Which Chola king built the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur?
Answer: Rajaraja
Explanation: Rajaraja I constructed the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, which became an architectural marvel of the Chola dynasty​.

Question: Which city was the location of the Chola temple built by Rajendra I?
Answer: Gangaikondacholapuram
Explanation: Rajendra I built the temple at Gangaikondacholapuram after his victorious campaign in the Ganga Valley​.

Question: Which metal was used for crafting the famous Chola sculptures?
Answer: Bronze
Explanation: The Cholas were known for their exquisite bronze sculptures, which were primarily used for religious purposes​.

Question: Which deity is most commonly represented in Chola bronze sculptures?
Answer: Shiva
Explanation: Chola bronze sculptures often depicted Shiva in various forms, including Nataraja, the cosmic dancer​.

Question: What was the main function of temples apart from being places of worship?
Answer: Administration
Explanation: Chola temples served as administrative centers, managing land grants and supporting economic activities​.

Question: What was the name given to land donated to temples?
Answer: Devadana
Explanation: Rulers and wealthy individuals donated devadana land to temples, which helped sustain temple activities and workers​.

Question: What profession was responsible for crafting Chola bronze sculptures?
Answer: Artisans
Explanation: Skilled artisans, often working under royal patronage, created bronze sculptures using the lost-wax technique​.

Question: What economic activity flourished around Chola temples?
Answer: Craft production
Explanation: Temples became centers of craft production, where artisans, weavers, and sculptors contributed to the local economy​.

Question: What method was used to cast bronze images in Chola times?
Answer: Lost-wax
Explanation: The lost-wax technique was used to create detailed and lifelike bronze sculptures, a hallmark of Chola craftsmanship​.

Question: What type of figures, apart from deities, were also cast in Chola bronze?
Answer: Devotees
Explanation: Some Chola bronze sculptures depicted devotees, showing the importance of personal devotion in religious practices​


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