Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v2.c16.377

v2.c16.377

“During the two centuries of the rule of the early Chālukya dynasty of Vātāpi,” says Vincent Smith,³ “great changes in the religious state of the country were in progress. Buddhism, although still influential, and supported by a large section of the population, was slowly declining, and suffering gradual supersession by its rivals, Jainism and Brahmanical Hinduism. The sacrificial form of the Hindu religion received special attention, and was made the subject of a multitude of formal treatises. The Purāṇic forms of Hinduism also grew in popularity; and everywhere elaborate temples dedicated to Vishṇu, Śiva, or other members of the Purāṇic pantheon, were erected. The orthodox Hindus borrowed from their Buddhist and Jain rivals the practice of excavating cave-temples.⁴ Jainism was specially popular in the southern Marātha country.”