A Lady Musician

A Lady Musician

Konark Temple,Eastern Ganga Dynasty,13th Century AD

            Part of the Kalinga or Eastern school of architecture,  Konark temple is one of the finest temples of ancient India. Built in the form of a moving chariot, with seven horses and twelve giant wheels, the temples shows the imaginative leap of the architects.  The fact that the  main tower collapsed, however, points to the technical flaw in the design of the temple.  But nonetheless it is a mesmerising piece of architecture.  

          The temple is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun god. The lady musician you see here are sculptures placed on the roof of the temple.  The heavenly musicians play the music as the sun chariot is pulled by the seven horses. 

          The Konark sculpture is easy to recognise as the women have a tied their hair in a tight bun, and have two large earrings in their ears. The eyes are almond like, and there is a subtle smile on their face. Even today Konark and Cuttack produce beautifully alive sculptures.