'Two statues from the Tamil Nadu State Museum, Chennai' - by K.J.S.Chatrath

 Bust of a sage, circa 9th century A.D. discovered in Kaverippakkam, North Arcot District, Tamil Nadu and on display in the open air part of the Tamil Nadu State Museum, Egmore, Chennai.

Bust of a sage, circa 12th century A.D., locality unknown, and on display in the open air part of the Tamil Nadu State Museum, Egmore, Chennai.

Bust of a sage, circa 12th century A.D., locality unknown, and on display in the open air part of the Tamil Nadu State Museum, Egmore, Chennai.

 Sages of the two statues display different hair styles and different styles of beards and moustaches. One wonders what do these indicate.