Bharata

Bharata Vijayanagar – 14th Century – South India

When Rama refused to return to the kingdom of Ayodhya, Bharata took his padukas and placed them on the throne, to rule as regent of the kingdom. In this image, the figure of Bharata raises his arms to support the sandals (paduka) placed on his head. The figure stands on a double lotus, wearing a short dhoti. The base of the pedestal has loops for purposes of ritual procession.