Investigating Treasure Trove Chola Bronzes of Thiruvarur – A Study

Abstract

This research paper probes the bronze images of Chola dynasty which ruled over Thiruvarur or Aaroor served as one of the five traditional capital towns. This town holds the symbol of rich culture of Chola’s hegemony. The Dravidan style of iconography reached its perfection under Cholas. The Metallurgy Art of India reached a pinnacle on of Chola bronzes. The Greenish patina bronze images of Aiyanar riding an elephant, Subramaniya with his consort, Thirugnanasambandar and Lord Ganesha which was created during the medieval period especially in the Thiruvarur had a highest regard of superiority in art for many centuries. These Bronze images were created using “Lost Wax Technique†which specifies that only one specimen of that particular image can be made by the sculptor, so the image is original and it cannot be remade as it is. The craftsmanship of the bronze images of Chola period attained maximum glory. These bronzes were found as treasure troves in Tiruvarur. The Scholar who was a former Curator of this Museum attempt to bring limelight of Iconic excellence of the beauty of these bronze images and the Conservation method adopted to preserve them for future generation.