Dear Kadambar Vijay,
I’m looking at the photo now. in SRM Nataraja in Art, Thought and
Literature
Caption: Fig. 174 Nataraja dancing on bull with vina. Pala. 10th
century A. D.
Ranihati, Dacca Distt. Dacca Museum.
My comments: No sword overhead, holds Nag instead, vina w very small
resonator gourds. [Ganga proper rt. has Nagini canopy, odd]
& Uma [proper lft] on either side at feet. Oddly, Nandi has buffalo-
type horn – head looking up as in yours. 12 arms also but rear arms
lifted w fingers of 2 hands
touching at top of crown. Fuller arms & legs. Dancers and musicians
below front are carved as part of the base. Also very lovely but
fuller face.
text: p. 292 “The other one which was found at the Deul of Ranihati in
Dacca district has been acquired by Mr Haque, Dir. of the Dacca
Museum. The figure here has twelve arms. Seshanaga is held up as a
semi-circular canopy above; the bust of the nagaraja w his hands
clasped in adoration is seen to the right in continuation of the
reptile body. Another pair of arms carry the rosary, drum, trisla and
kundika, while the last pair suggests abhaya and varada. Ganga to the
right carries a water vessel in one hand and lotuses in the other.
Uma, standing on the lion has the mirror in her rt hand and flowers in
her left. The bull, with his head raised up, and the legs also in
consonance with the dance of his master, is in great ecstasy, as may
be seen from the curled up tail and the enthusiastic look of the
animal. Bhrngi and Vatuka Bhairava dance on either side of the
pedestal. There are other musical figures also. on top there are
flying vidyadharas carrying garlands, and five deities: Ganesa Brahma
Siva [?] Vishnu & Kartikeya.”
