Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.41

c2.41

A very characteristic feature of temples in this style is the type of pillar found in them. These are about two feet square in section and about seven feet in height. The upper and lower portions are cubical, while the middle portion of the shaft has the angles bevelled off, which makes the middle third octagonal in section. Sometimes the cubical portions are decorated with a conventional lotus flower design similar to the lotus medallions appearing on the stone rails of the Amaravati stupa. The capitals of the pillars are simple corbels or brackets supporting the architrave above. The lower or underside of the bracket is rounded upwards and sometimes decorated with horizontal rows of roll ornament. Each pillar has a corresponding side pilaster.