The masterpiece of Chola sculpture is the famous Nataraja or the Dancing Shiva image at

The Cholas also encouraged plastic art; the metal and stone images cast during the period are exquisitely executed and display a wonderful vigour, diginity and grace. The masterpiece of Chola sculpture is the famous Natraja or the Dancing Shiva image at the great temple of Chidambaram. The Nataraja has been described as the "cutura epitome" of the Chola period.