Bas-Relief Sculptures of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu - Bhagirathi's Descent \ Arjun's Penance

Mandira Chatterjee

Bas-Relief is a sculpture method where the sculptures remain attached to the solid background on which it is carved. There are three open air bas-reliefs in Mahabalipuram of which most popular is - Bhagirathi's Descent. 

According to the legend, King Bhagirath performed austerity to please Lord Shiva for the boon of River Ganga's descent on Earth. Though this was for a selfish gain to wash away the sins of his deceased ancestors and attain Nirvana or Moksh but all animals and people on the earth were going to equally benefit from this act. Therefore, the rejoice is seen in the sculptures. In Fig 4, a sage immersed in prayers near a temple, people performing austerity and animals wait patiently for Ganges descent. Sheshnags are also depicted waiting with folded arms for Ganges Descent to Earth. Bhagirathi's descent also known as Arjuna's Penance. Arjuna practiced austerity to ask Lord Shiva for Pashupatastra before the war of Mahabharata. 

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The second open air bas-relief of Mahabalipuram which most people give a miss for a better view of the town from the Lighthouse behind. Scholars are of opinion that this bas-relief was a practice panel for the original bas-relief and its lack of completeness fans the opinion. Both the two open air bas-relief are crafted on sandstone having a natural cleft facing east. The only difference are the positions of sculptures. Fig 6, The sage in penance is portrayed further left with Shiva to the right. The sculptures on the right to the duo strain their ears to hear the conversation between the two as the sage asks for a boon form Shiva, Fig 7 and 8 whereas the animals and the elephant rise in trumpet. 

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The thrid panel is a piece from Lord Krishna life in Mathura of Govardhan Hill. In Fig 10, Krishna is holding the Govardhan Hill over his head surrounded by Gopi's or milk maids. Balaram who waits beside Krishna surrounded by cows and milkmen milking the cows. On the further end different animals are depicted taking shelter under the hill. On careful observation one can see in Fig 12 a flight of steps cut into the bedrock leading over the original bas-relief where now stands a wall. The mandapam we see today enclosing the relief is from Vijayanagar Empire post 14th century. 

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A striking gap of 5 centuries lies between the two dynasties yet religion and art binded them all together and made them immortal on the pages of history.

*Student, 2013 batch