Natesa:
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Natesa is a rare sandstone idol from the Pratihara Style of Rajasthan.
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It is originally from the Ghateswar Temple at Baroli, Rajasthan.
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Features: The sandstone Natesa figure stands tall at almost 4 ft in a rare and brilliant depiction of Shiva.A beautiful depiction of Nandi is shown behind the right leg of the Natesa icon.”
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Why in News? Natesa, a rare sandstone idol has been retrieved after 22 years by the Rajasthan police after it was smuggled to the UK.
Pratihara Style:
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It is a famous temple architecture belonging to the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty of Rajasthan.
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They ruled much of Northern India from the mid-8th to the 11th century.
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The Gurjara-Pratiharas were instrumental in containing Arab armies moving east of the Indus River.
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Important Rulers: Nagabhata II, Mihir Bhoj and Mahenedra pal I.
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Significance: They are known for their sculptures, carved panels and open pavilion style temples.
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The greatest development of their style of temple building was at Khajuraho now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.