More than thirty years ago, Cre-A: published my book on the Tiruvenkadu Bronzes. I was heartened when Ram, Cre-A’s publisher recently expressed his desire to bring out an expanded edition of the book which would include some significant Chola bronzes that are not from Tiruvenkadu. I suggested we include new information that has emerged about the Cholas and on some of the bronzes. He enthusiastically endorsed the suggestion. The quality of the book in your hands will attest to his mission in life to produce books of quality.

Three chapters of this book (Rishabhavahanadevar, Kalyanasundarar and Sambandar) have been published as a single article in the Arts of Asia (September, 1983), whose editors have accorded permission to use that material here.