Mithuna Figures ( A Loving Couple)

Mithuna Figures ( A Loving Couple)

Cave No 3, Badami, Chalukya Dynasty,6th Century CE

           Every pillar in Cave No. 3 is crowned by a loving couple or Mithuna. These figures are important both historically and artistically.  Historically they tell us about the lifestyle of India in 6th Century CE. The couple is young and fashionable.  The Chalukyan figures are tallish in appearance.  The men are not muscular but slim. Women are voluptuous but slim. They are attired in the best of clothes and jewellery. They reflect the prosperity of their Age. Artistically, unlike the stout and short figures of North India, the figures are tallish. Apparently the concept of beauty was different in the South and the North. Moreover, these loving couples are the beginning of erotic art in India. Eroticism will reach its climax at Khajaraho and Konark temples in the North and East. 

          These couples also had a social and political significance. Since the family is the smallest unit of the society, it was important to emphasise on the "happy family." Politically, such couples and their opulence stressed the political stability and the economic prosperity of the Kingdom. 

          Unfortunately today we do not emphasise the unity of the family. As we "progress" we are becoming more and more individualistic. Instead of spending time with our wife and children, we would rather be surfing the Internet or be in Facebook.  The intimacy, the love and affection between the couples is beginning to dry up. Perhaps we should look at the Indian art and realise the importance of " Kama" ( desire), of love and affection in our lives.