Question

Iconography defining Shiva as a 'Musician'
(A) Holding 'veena' in right hand while sitting
(B) Holding 'Damaru' in the left hand in sitting posture
(C) Holding 'veena' with both the front hands in standing posture
(D) Playing 'Sitar' in sitting position
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) and (B) only
• (A) and (C) only
• (B) and (C) only
• (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Shiva as Musician = Vinadhara = Veena. Shiva as Dancer = Nataraja = Damaru. Associating the specific attribute (instrument) with the form is key.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Determine the specific musical form of Shiva: Vinadhara Dakshinamurti ("carrier of the Veena").
Step 2: Evaluate answer choices based on this form.

(A) and (C): Accurate. These options depict Shiva with a veena, his stringed instrument, in sitting or standing poses.
(B) Incorrect. The Damaru (drum) is linked to Shiva as Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), not Vinadhara.
(D) Incorrect. The Sitar is a modern instrument, not part of Shiva's traditional iconography.

Step 3: Synthesize the correct descriptions. Shiva as a musician is correctly represented by (A) and (C), both showing him with a veena in various postures.