[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [South Indian Bronzes: A Historical Survey of South Indian Sculpture with Iconographical Notes Based on Original Sources](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915) › c8.24 # South Indian Bronzes: A Historical Survey of South Indian Sculpture with Iconographical Notes Based on Original Sources c8.24 South Indian Bronzes: A Historical Survey of South Indian Sculpture with Iconographical Notes Based on Original Sources c8.24 - **Language:** English ### [c8.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c8.24) Angulas are sometimes classified into (1) \*Mānāgulas\* according to the above measure; (2) \*Mātrangula\* represented by the second digit of middle finger of the right hand of man; (3) \*Deha labdhāngula\* (Lit-‘angula as found in the body’) the measure as found in the \*angula\* or finger of the image-maker himself. The \*mān-angula\* is the absolute measure which is the ‘foot rule’ of the craftsman. The distinction of the three classes is however not quite clear. The \*Mātrangula\* evidently is not a fixed measure like inches but are only units for measurements of a particular figure and must be proportionate to the total height prescribed for a given figure. The \*tāla\* is deduced from the length of the face which is sub-divided into 12 \*angulas\* as will appear from the drawing made by a South Indian artist. (Figure 2.) The cranium is not included within the \*tālam\* which is taken from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin. The length of the face differs according to the various \*tāla\* or measures prescribed for particular deities generally constructed in the \*nava tāla\* or the \*dasa tāla\* measure. The \*nava tāla\* (ninth measure) is again classified into three groups—\*Uttama-nava-tāla\* (the best ninth measure), the \*Madhyama-nava-tāla\* (the medium); and the \*Adhama-nava-tāla\* (the lowest). Similarly the \*dasa-tāla\* is also divided into ‘Uttam,’ ‘Madhyam’ and ‘Adhama’ or as sometimes called ‘Kaniyasa’ (lowest). - [Previous: c8.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c8.23) - [Next: c8.25](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c8.25) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c8.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.gangoly-1915.c8.24) · Pramāṇa