World's Largest Nataraja Statue Installed at G20 Summit Venue

The world’s tallest Nataraja statue, standing at 28 feet, has been installed at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the G20 summit in Delhi. This statue represents Lord Shiva as the ‘lord of dance,’ showcasing his cosmic power of creation and destruction. It is a significant and awe-inspiring symbol that adds a touch of cultural and spiritual significance to the event.

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About the 28-Foot Tall Nataraja Statue

World's Tallest Nataraja Statue Installed at G20 Summit Venue

The Nataraja statue is an impressive work of art, weighing 19 tonnes and crafted from Ashtadhatu, which consists of eight metals: gold, silver, lead, copper, tin, mercury, iron, and zinc. Renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapathy and his team at Swamimalai in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, created this masterpiece.

The statue itself measures 22 feet in height, and when placed on a 6-foot-high pedestal, its total height reaches 28 feet, making it the tallest Nataraja statue in the world.

Lost Wax Technique

The creation of this statue employed the ancient lost-wax technique of metal casting, reminiscent of the remarkable artistry found in the famous Chola bronzes of the past.
The process of making this statue began with clay sourced from the Cauvery River in Swamimalai.
After drying the clay, it was subjected to high heat, causing the wax to melt and create space for molten bronze to fill in.
This meticulous and traditional craftsmanship showcases the rich artistic heritage of India.

The Union Culture Ministry commissioned the statue on February 20, and the sculptors completed their work in six months. Transporting this monumental piece to the national capital was a significant feat, accomplished in four days with the creation of a special green corridor to facilitate its transportation.

Culture Corridor at Bharat Mandapam

The G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place on September 9th and 10th at the newly-built ‘Bharat Mandapam,’ a convention and exhibition center located at Pragati Maidan. On the opening day of the summit, the Ministry of Culture will unveil a ‘Culture Corridor’ at Bharat Mandapam, which will be a significant addition to the event. This exhibition will cover an extensive 10,000-square-foot area along the hallway adjacent to the summit room and feature an immersive zone with a large-screen display.

The ‘Culture Corridor’ will showcase a wide array of valuable artifacts from all 29 participating countries.
These include manuscripts of the Rig Veda from India, a rare copy of the Magna Carta from the UK, an anamorphic digital image of the Mona Lisa from France, certified original copies of the Charters of Freedom from the US, and a fahua-lidded jar from China, among others.
This concept aims to bring together the finest and most valuable artifacts from these countries, symbolizing the theme of the G20, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).

Additionally, an exhibition celebrating India as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ will narrate the nation’s rich 5,000-year history and its unwavering commitment to democratic traditions. This blend of cultural and artistic expressions will add depth and significance to the G20 Summit, transcending the boundaries of international diplomacy with the universal language of culture and heritage.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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