Mahabalipuram. Arjuna's Penance. Detail of snake man (Naga King).
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Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham
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A very clear representation of the character of the Mahabalipuram sculptural style is present in this figure of the Naga King moving up the symbolic river Ganges. He displays the expansive quality the Hindus call prana or 'in-breath,' like one who has just taken in a deep breath of air and held it with the utmost control during a strenuous dance. This quality is perhaps the most unique and characteristic feature of Indian sculpture in general, Hindu sculpture in particular, and is manifest in the smallest miniature figurines as well as in the most monumental sculptures. When the water overflowed which was collected in the pool at the top of the rock, it glistened over this god's image and gave him the look of swimming up-stream, as the iconography of the myth prescribes.
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Archives Series
Basham Collection
Date created
circa 1970s
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This item is provided for research purposes. Contact the Australian National University Archives at butlin.archives@anu.edu.au for permission to use.
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