Nataraja Statue at Bharat Mandapam: History, Significance and Critique

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India recently got installed a massive Nataraja statue made of Ashtadhatu at the newly built Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, New Delhi where India will host the upcoming G20 Summit 2023.

The 27 feet tall, 18-ton-weight statue is the tallest statue made of Ashtadhatu and is sculpted by the renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty of Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu and his team in a record 7 months.

It has been reported that 34 generations of Radhakrishnan have been making idols since the Chola Empire period.

In a tweet endorsed by PM Modi, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts said that “This statue of Nataraja, an important symbol of cosmic energy, creativity, and power, is going to be an attraction at the #G20 summit“.

Keeping above context in mind, in this article, will briefly discuss the history of Nataraja, the significance and symbolism attached with it and subaltern critique. Read this on till the end to learn more.

History of Nataraja Statues

The history of Nataraja statues in India is deeply intertwined with the country’s rich Brahmanical cultural and religious heritage.

The Nataraja, which translates to “Lord of the Dance,” is a form of the Hindu-Brahmin god Shiva, representing his role as the cosmic dancer who performs the divine dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.

The earliest known Nataraja statues date back to the Chola dynasty in South India, specifically during the Chola period (9th to 13th centuries CE).

These intricate bronze sculptures, often adorned with exquisite details and intricate iconography, were created using the lost-wax casting technique, showcasing the remarkable metallurgical skills of the time.

The Nataraja image has since become an enduring symbol of Brahmanical art and spirituality.

It continues to inspire artists and devotees alike, serving as a potent representation of Shiva’s dynamic and transformative powers within the Hindu-Brahmin tradition.

Over the centuries, Nataraja statues have been found in various parts of India, attesting to the widespread popularity and significance of this iconic deity in Brahmanical culture and religion.

Symbolism and Significance within Hinduism

The Nataraja statue holds profound symbolism and significance within Hinduism, representing various aspects of the religion and the broader cosmic order:

1. Lord of the Dance: The Nataraja is often referred to as the “Lord of the Dance,” symbolizing Shiva’s role as the cosmic dancer who performs the Tandava, a dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. This dance represents the eternal cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth.
2. Creation and Destruction: The Nataraja’s dance embodies the dynamic forces of creation and destruction. Shiva’s foot crushes the demon Apasmara, symbolizing the conquest of ignorance and the triumph of knowledge over darkness.
3. Balance: The statue’s four arms symbolize different aspects of Shiva’s divine power. The upper right hand holds the damaru (a small drum), representing the sound of creation. The upper left hand holds Agni (fire), symbolizing destruction. The lower right hand is in the abhaya mudra, offering protection to devotees, and the lower left hand points to Shiva’s raised foot, signifying the path to salvation.
4. Cyclic Nature of Time: The ring of fire and the circle of flames surrounding the Nataraja represents the cyclical nature of time and the universe, highlighting the eternal recurrence of creation and dissolution.
5. Cosmic Energy: Shiva’s wild, flowing hair represents his unbounded cosmic energy, and it is adorned with a crescent moon, the sacred river Ganges, and a snake, emphasizing his role as a god of nature and the cosmos.
6. Unity of Male and Female Energies: The Nataraja often features a representation of Ardhanarishvara, a deity that embodies the union of Shiva (male) and Parvati (female) energies, signifying the inseparable nature of masculine and feminine principles in the universe.
7. Spiritual Transformation: The Nataraja’s dance is seen as a symbol of spiritual transformation, inviting devotees to reflect on the impermanence of the material world and the journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
8. Artistic Mastery: The Nataraja statues are celebrated for their artistic and metallurgical craftsmanship, showcasing the pinnacle of bronze casting techniques during the Chola period in India.

Overall, the Nataraja statue is a multifaceted symbol that encapsulates key elements of Hindu-Brahmin cosmology, spirituality, and artistic excellence. It serves as a powerful representation of the Brahmanical imagery of eternal dance of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the interconnectedness of all existence within the Hindu-Brahmin tradition.

Subaltern Critique of Nataraja Statue

A subaltern critique of the Nataraja statue and its associated symbolism can be presented from the perspective of marginalized or subaltern groups within Indian society. This critique often highlights the following aspects:

1. Brahmanical Symbols and Hegemony: Critics argue that the Nataraja statue, with its strong association with classical Hindu-Brahmanism, can reinforce the dominance of unjust Brahmanical rituals, ideologies and hierarchies. It may marginalise or overlook the egalitarian belief systems and practices of non-Brahmanical or indigenous communities. Further, exclusivist Brahmanical rituals and dogmas are deliberately portrayed as Indian culture even through they have little to do with the belief and cultural traditions of majority of Indians who are divided into thousands of castes and tribes, disunited, largely indifferent and passive recipient of Brahmanical propaganda.
2. Elite Grandeur & Iconography: In the history of human civilisation, grand statues, giant temples and towering palaces generally represent elite and ruling class grandeur and iconography fundamentally at conflict with hardworking peasant and labor classes. They are built and erected on orders of wealthy ruling classes not poor masses. Moreover, giant temples, superficial statues, enigmatic symbols, complex lexical jargons and pompous rituals have often been used as a tool by the caste or race based priestly and Brahmanical classes across the world not only to mesmerise, sedate and exploit the naive and vulnerable masses but also to provoke awe and admiration for the ruling classes. Furthermore, statues have historically been a source and symbol of diefication of human elites as Gods and Goddesses as is evident from Indian and world history and mythologies.
3. Exclusivity: Some argue that the Nataraja’s symbolism can be exclusive and alienating to those from non-Hindu or non-Indian backgrounds, potentially perpetuating a sense of cultural and religious otherness.
4. Gender and Caste: Critics may point out that the Nataraja statue, like many traditional Hindu-Brahmin representations, often lacks gender and caste diversity. It predominantly centers on the male deity Shiva and may not adequately represent the experiences and perspectives of women, lower-caste individuals, or gender-diverse individuals.
5. Against Constitutional Ethos: Indian constitutional values like liberty, equality, fraternity and rights oriented discourse have been transformative in the sense that they make radical departure from the exclusivists and caste-centric Brahmanical social mores dominant in India. In this sense, patronisation of Hindu-Brahmanical imagery and symbols by the Indian state that draws its authority solely from the constitution and people goes against those value systems especially when the architect of Indian constitution Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar explicitly and openly rejected Hindu-Brahmanical religion and culture terming it highly unjust, fraudulent and oppressive in his ubiquitous writings and 22 vows against Hinduism.
6. Socioeconomic Disparities: The opulence and artistic mastery of Nataraja statues, particularly during the Chola period, can be seen as a reflection of elite patronage and wealth, potentially ignoring the socio-economic struggles and injustices faced by the marginalised segments of society. Moreover, it has been discovered that many large temples, statues and palaces in ancient and medieval India were built through forced and unpaid labour of masses.
7. Appropriation and Commercialization: The commercialization of Nataraja statues, often as tourist souvenirs or art pieces, can be criticized for commodifying sacred symbols and potentially eroding their spiritual or cultural significance.
8. Colonial and Orientalist Influence: Critics may argue that the Western fascination with the Nataraja statue during the colonial period contributed to its exoticization and misinterpretation, leading to a skewed understanding of its true cultural and spiritual value.
9. Syncretism and Cultural Hybridity: While some appreciate the syncretic and diverse aspects of Indian culture, others may critique the Nataraja for overshadowing or homogenizing the cultural diversity within India, especially as it is often presented as a quintessential symbol of Indian spirituality.
10. Forbidden in Abrahamic Religions: Statues are strictly forbidden in Abrahamic religions like Judaism and Christianity. Not only they represent highest form of disbelief but also a tool of exploitation. An analysis of Abrahamic scriptures like Jewish Torah and Holy Quran shows an interesting pattern. The elite and ruling classes have often been depicted as oppressive, disbelievers who refused to submit before God and instead patronised themselves as Gods forcing the masses to worship them. For instance, the Egyptian Pharaohs, Mesopotamian Nimrods, and Roman Caesars. On the other hand, all Judeo-Christian and Islamic Prophets like Abraham, Jesus and Muhammad (PBUTA) came from lower and marginalised classes who stood up against the tyranny of the ruling classes and their false Gods.

That being said, it’s important to note that these critiques are not universally held, and the Nataraja statue continues to be a revered and cherished symbol for Brahmanical classes and state in India despite criticism.

However, subaltern critiques provide valuable perspectives for understanding how certain symbols and traditions can be seen as exclusionary or problematic from the standpoint of marginalized or subaltern communities within India.

Abrahamic Critique of Idols

And Allah has favoured some of you over others in provision. But those who have been much favoured would not share their wealth with those ˹bondspeople˺ in their possession, making them their equals. Do they then deny Allah’s favours? Holy Quran 16:71

And God has made for you spouses of your own kind, and given you through your spouses children and grandchildren. And He has granted you good, lawful provisions. Are they then faithful to falsehood and ungrateful for Allah’s favours? Holy Quran 16:72

Yet they worship besides Allah those ˹Idols˺ who do not afford them any provision from the heavens and the earth, nor do they have the power to. Holy Quran 16:73

So do not set up equals to Allah, for Allah certainly knows and you do not know. Holy Quran 16:74

Allah sets forth a parable: a slave who lacks all means, compared to a ˹free˺ man to whom We granted a good provision, of which he donates ˹freely,˺ openly and secretly. Are they equal? Praise be to God. In fact, most of them do not know. Holy Quran 16:75

And Allah sets forth a parable of two men: one of them is dumb, incapable of anything. He is a burden on his master. Wherever he is sent, he brings no good. Can such a person be equal to the one who commands justice and is on the Straight Path? Holy Quran 16:76

To Allah ˹alone˺ belongs ˹the knowledge of˺ the unseen in the heavens and the earth. Bringing about the Hour would only take the blink of an eye, or even less. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything. Holy Quran 16:77

And Allah brought you out of the wombs of your mothers while you knew nothing, and gave you hearing, sight, and intellect so perhaps you would be thankful. Holy Quran 16:78

Have they not seen the birds glide in the open sky? None holds them up except Allah. Surely in this are signs for those who believe. Holy Quran 16:79

And Allah has made your homes a place to rest, and has given you tents from the hide of animals, light to handle when you travel and when you camp. And out of their wool, fur, and hair He has given you furnishings and goods for a while. Holy Quran 16:80

And Allah has provided you shade out of what He created, and has given you shelter in the mountains. He has also provided you with clothes protecting you from the heat ˹and cold˺, and armour shielding you in battle. This is how He perfects His favour upon you, so perhaps you will ˹fully˺ submit ˹to Him˺. Holy Quran 16:81

But if they turn away, then your duty ˹O Prophet˺ is only to deliver ˹the message˺ clearly. Holy Quran 16:82

They are aware of Allah’s favours, but still deny them. And most of them are ˹truly˺ ungrateful. Holy Quran 16:83

˹Consider, O  Prophet,˺ the Day We will call ˹a prophet as˺ a witness from every faith-community. Then the disbelievers will neither be allowed to plead nor appease ˹their Lord˺. Holy Quran 16:84

And when the wrongdoers face the punishment, it will not be lightened for them, nor will they be delayed ˹from it˺. Holy Quran 16:85

And when the polytheists see their associate-gods, they will say, “Our Lord! These are our associate-gods that we used to invoke besides You.” Their gods will throw a rebuttal at them, ˹saying,˺ “You are definitely liars.” Holy Quran 16:86

They will offer ˹full˺ submission to Allah on that Day, and whatever ˹gods˺ they fabricated will fail them. Holy Quran 16:87

For those who disbelieve and hinder ˹others˺ from the Way of Allah, We will add more punishment to their punishment for all the corruption they spread. Holy Quran 16:88

˹Consider, O  Prophet,˺ the Day We will call against every faith-community a witness of their own. And We will call you to be a witness against these ˹people of yours˺. We have revealed to you the Book as an explanation of all things, a guide, a mercy, and good news for those who ˹fully˺ submit. Holy Quran 16:89

Indeed, Allah commands justice, grace, as well as courtesy to close relatives. He forbids indecency, wickedness, and aggression. He instructs you so perhaps you will be mindful. Holy Quran 16:90

Honour Allah’s covenant when you make a pledge, and do not break your oaths after confirming them, having made Allah your guarantor. Surely Allah knows all you do. Holy Quran 16:91

Do not be like the woman who ˹foolishly˺ unravels her yarn after it is firmly spun, by taking your oaths as a means of deceiving one another in favour of a stronger group. Surely Allah tests you through this. And on the Day of Judgment He will certainly make your differences clear to you. Holy Quran 16:92

Had Allah willed, He could have easily made you one community ˹of believers˺, but He leaves to stray whoever He wills and guides whoever He wills. And you will certainly be questioned about what you used to do. Holy Quran 16:93

And do not take your oaths as a means of deceiving one another or your feet will slip after they have been firm. Then you will taste the evil ˹consequences˺ of hindering ˹others˺ from the Way of Allah, and you will suffer a tremendous punishment. Holy Quran 16:94

And do not trade Allah’s covenant for a fleeting gain. What is with Allah is certainly far better for you, if only you knew. Holy Quran 16:95

Whatever you have will end, but whatever Allah has is everlasting. And We will certainly reward the steadfast according to the best of their deeds. Holy Quran 16:96

Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life, and We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds. Holy Quran 16:97

When you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed. Holy Quran 16:98

Surely those who do not believe in Allah’s revelations will never be guided by Allah, and they will suffer a painful punishment. Holy Quran 16:104

No one fabricates lies except those who disbelieve in Allah’s revelations, and it is they who are the ˹true˺ liars. Holy Quran 16:105

Whoever disbelieves in Allah after their belief—not those who are forced while their hearts are firm in faith, but those who embrace disbelief wholeheartedly—they will be condemned by Allah and suffer a tremendous punishment. Holy Quran 16:106

This is because they prefer the life of this world over the Hereafter. Surely Allah never guides those who ˹choose to˺ disbelieve. Holy Quran 16:107

They are the ones whose hearts, ears, and eyes are sealed by Allah, and it is they who are ˹truly˺ heedless. Holy Quran 16:108

Without a doubt, they will be the losers in the Hereafter. Holy Quran 16:109

As for those who emigrated after being compelled ˹to renounce Islam˺, then struggled ˹in Allah’s cause˺, and persevered, your Lord ˹O Prophet˺ is truly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful after all. Holy Quran 16:110

No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.

Holy Quran 6:103

To Allah ˹alone˺ belongs ˹the knowledge of˺ the unseen in the heavens and the earth. Bringing about the Hour would only take the blink of an eye, or even less. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything.

Holy Quran 16:77

Sikh Perspectives on Idol Worship

Guru Nanak called for worship of one true God and frowned upon Brahmanical idol worship as he questioned its utility using various analogies. 

He and other Sikh Gurus vehemently criticised Brahmins for corrupting the original monotheistic religion as was prevalent in ancient India. Given below are relevant verses from Guru Granth Sahib in this regard.

You worship stones and sit like a stork, pretending to be in Samaadhi…If you knew the nature of God, you would know that all of these beliefs and rituals are in vain.” (Guru Granth Sahib 470:16-18)

That stone idol, for which you tear off those leaves, that stone idol is lifeless.(Guru Granth Sahib 479-5)

The sculptor carves the stone and fashions it into an idol, placing his feet upon its chest. If this stone god was true, it would devour the sculptor for this. (Guru Granth Sahib 479-7)

One stone is lovingly decorated, while another stone is walked upon. If one is a god, then the other must also be a god. (Guru Granth Sahib 525-5)

Why worship gods and goddesses, O Siblings of Destiny? What can we ask of them? What can they give us? (Guru Granth Sahib 637-6)

The ignorant fools pick up stones and worship them. But when those stones themselves sink, who will carry you across? (Guru Granth Sahib 556-10)

Those who call a stone their god – their service is useless. Those who fall at the feet of a stone god, their work is wasted in vain. (Guru Granth Sahib 1160-5-6)

The stone does not speak; it does not give anything to anyone. Such religious rituals are useless; such service is fruitless. If a corpse is anointed with sandalwood oil, what good does it do? What good does it do? What does it lose from this? Says Kabeer, I proclaim this out loud-behold, and understand, you ignorant, faithless cynic. The love of duality has ruined countless homes. (Guru Granth Sahib 1160:8-11)

The Hindus have forgotten the Primal Lord; they are going the wrong way.” (Guru Granth Sahib 556:9)

He alone is a Brahmin, who contemplates God. (Guru Granth Sahib 662-14)

O Pandit O religious scholar, your Gayatri was grazing in the fields. Taking a stick, the farmer broke its leg and now it walks with a limp. O Pandit I saw your great lord shiva riding along on a white bull. In the merchant’s house a banquet was prepared for him-he killed the merchant’s son. (Guru Granth Sahib 874:18-19) 

There is no Truth in suffering, there is no Truth in comfort. There is no Truth in wandering like animals through the water. There is no Truth in shaving one’s head; there is no Truth is studying the scriptures or wandering in foreign lands. There is no Truth in trees, plants or stones, in mutilating oneself or suffering in pain.(Guru Granth Sahib 952:8-9) 

The supreme essence of reality has no shape or form. (Guru Granth Sahib 952:14)

Those who call a stone their god – their service is useless. Those who fall at the feet of a stone god, their work is wasted in vain.

Guru Granth Sahib 1160-5-6

Conclusion

In conclusion, the installation of the massive Nataraja statue at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi for the upcoming G20 Summit is undoubtedly a momentous event, celebrating the artistic and spiritual heritage of Brahmanism in India.

Its symbolism as the “Lord of the Dance” and its representation of cosmic energy, creation, and destruction make it a powerful emblem within Hindu-Brahmanism.

However, as with any cultural symbol of such significance, there are important subaltern critiques to consider. These perspectives remind us to be mindful of the potential exclusivity, cultural appropriation, and socioeconomic disparities associated with such grand representations.

It is essential to acknowledge the diverse religious and cultural tapestry of India and respect the voices of marginalized communities who may find themselves overlooked or misrepresented by symbols like the Nataraja.

In the end, the Nataraja statue stands as a symbol of India’s Brahmanical cultural and spiritual heritage, reflecting both its profound significance and the ongoing dialogue surrounding its interpretation and impact on diverse communities.

Whatever you have will end, but whatever Allah has is everlasting. And We will certainly reward the steadfast according to the best of their deeds.

Holy Quran 16:96