American Institute of Indian Studies
Centre for Art and Archaeology, American Institute of Indian Studies
Mahavirsvami temple, Right of garbhagriha doorway, pedestal of image, detail (ca 1025 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
It is a common imagery in the Indian architectures to find male figures playing music to rejoice the arrival of their God or to sing in their praise while female figures are depicted dancing.
Throne platform, South wall, details (ca 1513 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
However there are certain regional temple architecture like that of Orissa and Karnataka that has ample imagery of females playing music alongside their male counter parts.
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The archaeological site of group of monuments at Hampi with carved relief of women musicians. Karnataka
Venugopala and Musicians (ca 1120 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Musical instruments are primarily categorised in three different groups based on their nature: Wired, Wind and Percussion.
Instruments that make music by beating with hands or hitting with sticks are called percussion instruments. Drums, both single faced and double faced, and Shiva's damru come under this category.
Sun temple, Natamandir, jagati, left wall, view (ca 1250 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Percussion musical instruments like drums are considered fit for male because it makes loud noise. But Nata Mandir in the Konark Temple complex in Orissa represents women playing double headed drums.
Visnu temple, Varandika, east face, left end detail (ca 1100-1199 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
This facade of Vishnu Temple in Bilaspur, Madhya Pradesh depicts women playing drums long with two male (dwarf) attendants.
Kesava temple, Navaranga, east wall, Bracket figure, Mohini, ringing bell (ca 1117 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
In Carnatic architectural design Mohini playing Natwangam/ ringing bells in both her hands. Bells can come within the percussion musical category.
Venugopalasvami temple (facing east), Vimana, South wall, Vinadharini figure (1600-1625 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Instruments like Sitar, ektara, santoor are wired musical instruments. Saraswati, the goddess of Knowledge is always depicted playing Veena. Female figure holding Veena are called Veenadharini.
Navaranga, bracket figure, Mohini dancing with nagavina (ca 1117 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Wired instruments are highly delicate and make soft sounds unlike percussion musical instruments. Mohini figure at the Kesava Temple at Belur is depicted playing Naga-Veena (snake shaped Veena)
Sun temple, Natamandir, jagati, left wall, view (ca 1250 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
The female figure from Nata Mandir in Sun Temple complex depicted at the extreme right lowest panel is playing a stringed instrument like Veena.
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Nata Mandir at Sun Temple, Konark (Odisha) has some of the finest representation of humans, daily life and women musicians in deep relief.
Harshanatha temple, Mandapa pillar detail (ca 956-973 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Stringed musical instruments like Veena and Sitar are considered feminine. Male figures are not depicted playing these instrument. Relief dated to 10th century CE from Harshanatha Temple in Rajasthan.
Ramlingesvara temple, Rangamandapa, pillar inside, detail (ca 950 CE (inscribed))American Institute of Indian Studies
Very distinct pillar relief of woman playing stringed musical instrument at lower level and a male figure dancing on second level of the relief at Ramlingeshwar Temple.
Venugopala and Musicians (ca 1120 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
Musical instruments that make sound/ music by blowing wind in it are called wind instruments. Flute is the most commonly used wind instrument. It is popularly associated with God Krishna
Ramasvami temple (facing north), Maharangamandapa, north portion, column, southface, Vinadharini & Venugopala (1625 CE (before))American Institute of Indian Studies
Veena Dharni and Venu Gopala (Krishna) carved as part of Pillar relief at Ramaswami Temple in Tamil Nadu. At times Radha is shown playing flute of Krishna.
Navaranga, bracket figure, east wall, Mohini dancing (ca 1117 CE)American Institute of Indian Studies
In almost all regional cultures of India till today women play drums, conch, and local variations of percussion, stringed and wind instruments to celebrate events of life and religious occasions.
Image Source : American Institute of Indian Studies.
Street View: Courtesy Archaeological Survey of India
Curator : Meenakshi J.
