A Pallava Viṣṇu
By N. Y. Sastri
Summary
N. Y. Sastry describes and interprets a bronze image of Viṣṇu attributed to the Pallava period. He notes that while the Pallavas are renowned for stone sculpture, bronze casting appears only towards the end of their rule. The image, preserved in a museum, has a sturdy rectangular torso and a thick sacred thread with a clasp—features characteristic of Pallava art. Sastry observes that the deity’s right hand holds the conch and the left the discus with fingers bent in an archaic manner, while flames emerging from the weapons are rudimentary compared with later Chola bronzes. The waist cloth forms a semi‑circular loop above the knees, and the posture suggests a ceremonial rather than a dynamic stance. The author compares the bronze with stone images from Mahabalipuram and with later metal images, arguing that it represents a transitional phase. On stylistic grounds he dates the image to the late 9th century and posits that it was cast near Arkonam in the Pallava realm. An accompanying photograph allows readers to appreciate the proportions and details described.
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Conclusion
Sastry concludes that the Pallava Viṣṇu bronze illustrates how metal workers adapted stone‑carving conventions to bronze. The figure’s solidity, archaic gestures and emergent features foreshadow the sophisticated Chola bronzes that would later dominate South Indian art.