King Narsimha on Swing
Dynasty : Eastern Ganga, Konark, Orrisa
Period : Late Medieval 1200 CE
Material : Stone
Location : National Museum
Current Location : National Museum
Description :
The Eastern Ganga dynasty reigned from Kalinga and their rule consisted of the whole of the modern-day Indian state of Odisha as well as parts of West Bengal, from the 11th century to the early 15th century CE. Today, they are most remembered as the builders of the Konark SunTemple an UNESCO World Heritagesite at Konark, Odisha.
King Narasimha Varman seated on a swing under an arch with the right leg suspended and the left flexed at the knee. His left hand rests on the left thigh, while his right hand, which is wanting hold a sword. He wears a moustache, a pearl string band with mauli-mani over the head, necklace, armlets, anklets, earrings and yajnopavita. Two ladies stand on his either side helping him to swing. Two attendants are at the back. The swing is hung by means of iron chains and the arch is supported by two pillars at the extreme ends. A double-roofed structure is on top, surmounted by a purnaghata and two reclining lions. The base is composed of double-lotus. On the pedestal in front are carved two female chauri-bearers at the extremes and four female musicians in the centre playing on vina, cymbals etc.