Memories of Hero Stone IV

The tradition of hero stones in South India existed in the dolmen form during the Chola period in Tamil Nadu, and as slabs with sculptural reliefs and inscriptions in Karnataka. In essence, they celebrated the celestial journey of battle heroes. S. Nandagopal studied classical Indian sculptures extensively before deciding on these viragas for his inspiration. This magnificent-sized sculpture marks a duel between individuals in which the death mask of the figure held aloft contrasts with the exultant status of the victor, his arms flung overhead in triumph.