While the actual practice might have originated in other parts of India, it found the highest patronage during the Pallava and Chola rule in South India once it made its way South. Over a period of time, the use of bronze in sculptures has been found across India; from Kashmir to Kerala and from Gujarat to Odisha. It had mainly been used for sculptures of gods and goddesses, the most popular icon of which is the Nataraja statue of Shiva. Bronze was generally preferred as a sculptural material because it expands when hot and shrinks as it cools, which makes it easier to transfer impressions from the mold.
Subrata Paul is one of our key artists who works with Bronze to create contemporary Indian sculptures.