BRONZES

Metal casting is one of the ancient arts of India. People of the Indus valley civilization knew the art of metal casting. A very fine bronze sculpture of 'Dancing girl' found from Mohen-jo-Daro is its example. Basically bronze is an alloy that comprises 90% copper, 7% tin, and 3% zinc. Sometimes tin is not added. It is stronger than brass and copper. The sculptors can change the color of bronze by adding some chemicals to it. This process is called Patina. The art of bronze sculpture mainly flourished during the Pallava period and reached heights during the Chola period. At that time most of the bronze was brought from Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, the heartland of Cholas.