About my painting - The Glorious Cholas: The Essence of an Era

About the painting - The Glorious Cholas: The Essence of an Era [2022]

Theme: Pride in Indian glorious past. Creating awareness of our history. 

This 36’ X 48’ Acrylic and Oil on canvas is a Still-Life painting that sings the glory of the Chola rule in Southern India around 10th / 11th century

The Cholas from South India, predominantly ruled what is known as Tamil Nadu today were known for their prosperous rule which extended from Sri Lanka to the eastern part of India. They were deeply religious and have left behind some enormous beautiful Shiva temples and palaces for us to enjoy. 

The Cholas seemed to have been very knowledgeable in the sciences and in construction technologies which makes us wonder, even today, as to how they could have built such complex structures.

In this painting titled ‘The Glorious Cholas: The Essence of an Era’:-

• The background is a glorious yellow orange to signify the prosperous Chola period

• The table cloth is the quintessential  ‘Jamakalam’ the dhurrie used in the south of India

• The Book titles beings the subject to attention 

• The brass Uruli is a commonly used Tanjavur household utensil 

• The fragrant mogra 'Mallipoo' flowers are found in plenty in Madurai and Tanjavur

• The bookends are modern day wooden sculptures that have been inspired by the temple sculptures from the Chola period. This is a set we acquired at the Tanjavur palace store a few years back.

• The sparrows symbolise and  represent the Cholas, their people who created wonder that we still visit and enjoy and us - the visitors who try to reimagine the Chola times.

We come from a race of great achiever and world leaders. Rekindling history to make us believe in ourselves and strive for greatness today.

The painting states unashamedly that Hinduism was the predominant identity of our country during those times.

Being a south Indian myself, and having visited the temples and palaces numerous times, I see myself as a proud inheritor of the legacy. With this painting I would like to capture the essence of the Chola era for posterity.