Studies in Indian Art c14.s3.5

c14.s3.5

The sculpture seems to be the work of a master. Its crowded but well ordered composition, the animated poses and rendering of the bodies in a realistic manner mark it as a work of extra-ordinary merit and an outstanding specimen of north Indian sculpture. The concentrated exertion of force, the pressure of crowding figures and the tension of feeling are effectively rendered, permeating the entire scene. In the gigantic trial of strength between the Angels and the Titans, or the cosmic struggle for supremacy—the Daivāsuram—the Devas appear to have had to summon much greater reserve of power and the application of combined strength than the Asuras who seem to have taken it easy. As against eight Deva figures only one Asura is pitched and the expression on his face shows the easy assurance of victory. On stylistic grounds the sculpture maybe assigned to about the seventh century A.D.