[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.havell-1908) › c7.262 # Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c7.262 Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c7.262 - **Language:** English ### [c7.262](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.havell-1908.c7.262) The popular explanation of Siva’s dance—for every Hindu allegory has its popular version, adapted to the comprehension of the vulgar—is as follows: Siva, to amuse Parvati, his wife, invented this frantic dance, and taught it to Tandu, one of his followers: hence it is called the "Tandavan." This Siva performed before the goddess and her sons, to the musical accompaniments of the tabor, struck by his favourite, Nandi. The peacock, the vehicle of Karttikeya (Siva's son and the god of war) mistaking the deep note of the drum for the rolling of thunder, which heralds the approach of rain, screamed with delight. The snake which Siva wears as an ornament, alarmed at the cry of its mortal foe, deserted its place to make for a safe retreat.¹ - [Previous: c7.261](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.havell-1908.c7.261) - [Next: c7.263](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.havell-1908.c7.263) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.havell-1908.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.havell-1908.c7.262](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.havell-1908.c7.262) · Pramāṇa