Page 155 - Design Thinking C11

This design not only shows movement, but also tells a story of creation, destruction, and balance in life—all
through the human body.

21 st #Media Literacy
Century
Skills #Information Literacy
Watch the video “What does NATARAJA idol signifies about Lord Shiva?” -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX7UGJs4jsw
Next, answer the following questions:
• What message or cosmic function does the Nataraja idol communicate through its form
and posture? How does this relate to Lord Shiva’s role in the universe?
• How do elements like the fire ring, drum, and raised foot in the Nataraja sculpture
symbolize deeper philosophical meanings?
• Why do you think ancient Indian artists used dance and motion to express spiritual and
universal ideas in the Nataraja idol?
• Can you think of another example (Indian or global) where art or sculpture is used to
communicate a concept or belief? How is it similar or different from Nataraja?
• How can understanding the symbolic meaning of such forms help designers today
create more meaningful designs rooted in culture?

Proportions Based on the Human Body
Indian artists did not use rulers like we do today. Instead, they measured parts of the body using a system called
Talamana (system of measurements by Tala – palm of the hand). The body was divided into proportions: for
example, from the head to the navel, and from the navel to the feet. A sculptor might use the width of a
finger, the length of a hand, or the span of arms to guide the size of each part of a statue.
This made sculptures and drawings look more natural and connected to real human figures—even if the
statue was very large or small.

Movement in Dance and Design
In classical Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam or Odissi, the body’s movement follows rules of posture
and expression. Dancers use their spine, arms, hands, legs, and even their eyes to tell a story. These movements
are also seen in sculptures carved on temple walls. The graceful curves of the spine, the tilted shoulders, and
bent knees are all captured in stone, frozen in time—but still full of energy. Understanding the human body in
design helps create:
• Balance: So the figure or building doesn’t feel awkward.

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