Latest / The Chola Empire: How South India Dominated the Indian Ocean — Fexingo History
Chola Empire's Temple Sculptors: The sthapatis Who Made the Gods
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the world of the sthapatis, the master sculptors and architects behind the Chola Empire's iconic bronze and stone deities. Drawing on inscriptions from the Brihadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur and the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, they discuss how these artisans were not just craftsmen but ritual specialists trained in the Agamas, the sacred texts that dictated proportions, mudras, and consecration rites. The episode reveals the social status of sculptors — some were rewarded with land grants and titles like 'Rajendra Chola's…
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