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The British Museum houses a famous Nataraja sculpture, which depicts the Hindu god Shiva as Lord of the Dance. The sculpture dates back to the Chola dynasty in the 11th century and is considered to be one of the finest examples of South Indian bronze casting.
The sculpture shows Shiva dancing within a ring of flames, with his right foot lifted and his left foot on a small dwarf, representing ignorance. Shiva's four arms symbolize his power and his hands hold various objects including a drum, a flame, and a mudra (hand gesture). His matted hair is adorned with a crescent moon and a skull, and he wears a garland of snakes.
The overall form of the sculpture is harmonious and balanced, with careful attention paid to the proportions of Shiva's body and the dynamic movement of his dance. The detailed ornamentation and intricate carving of the sculpture is also remarkable, with each element of Shiva's body and clothing carefully depicted.
The Nataraja sculpture is not only a masterpiece of Indian art but also carries significant symbolic meaning within the Hindu religion. It represents the cosmic cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth, as well as the triumph of enlightenment over ignorance.