Sheshagiri Mandapa

Ranganatha Temple, Srirangam

These celebrated carvings, from the late 16th century, show humans in combat with animals and with other humans. The figures are approximately life-sized. Despite their furious action, the men's expressions are oddly calm and detached, as if merely posing for the sculpture.

Exotic figures depicted in this series include a fanciful elephant-lion, and a Portuguese soldier, standing, wearing a European hat and tunic.