Photo date: 2002

Photo date: unknown, published in 1955 Photo source: Zimmer, Vol. II, Plate 445a

Narasimha restoration

Vijayanagara

Before-and-after photos show the restoration (if you look closely, you will see that the black-and-white "before" photo was printed in reverse). The monument was created in 1528, ruined during the Mongol invasion of 1565, and reconstructed in 1984. Restorers altered the lion's mouth and other areas of his face. His torso was smoothed over and refinished, and new crossed legs, joined with a yoga band, were created. The restorers also carved supports for the legs (right and left, underneath the thighs). They generally did not provide arms or feet, except for part of the left rear arm and the upper part of the left foot. A figure of Lakshmi on the god's lap was too damaged to be restored. A photograph of an intermediate stage of the restoration, including some details of costume (beaded necklace and cloth loop on brim of crown) which were later removed, is printed in Michell, Hindu Art and Architecture, p.173.