Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. (UPSC 2013)

Tandava, the vigorous dance of Shiva, appears in early Indian inscriptions as a living religious and artistic tradition. Epigraphy shows its link with temple worship, royal patronage and sculptural iconography.

Key records

• Asanapat inscription of Odisha: one of the earliest references, describing Shiva in Tandava form.
• Gupta and post-Gupta records: mention dance halls and ritual performance in temples.
• Chola inscriptions: use terms like Adavallan and record grants to dancers and musicians.
• Chidambaram inscriptions: connect Tandava with the 108 karanas.

Thus, inscriptions show Tandava as both cosmic symbolism and organised temple practice, reflecting the growth of Saivism and classical dance in early India.