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) v6.c41.s16.t3.12

v6.c41.s16.t3.12

By way of refuting M. Parmentier, Dr. Majumdar rightly says that, ‘to us, the characteristic feature of a Cham temple seems to be its storied roof of several stages, in gradually diminishing proportions, each of which is again a miniature of the whole. Now this is the characteristic feature of what is known as the Dravidian style, The *rathas* of Mamallapuram and temples of Cenjeeveram and Badami of the seventh century a.d. are cited as examples. The essential resemblance between the *śikharas* of normal Cham temples and of the Dharmarāja Ratha and Arjuna Ratha is also referred to. The elongated curved roof with ogival ends has its counterpart in Gaṇeśa Ratha and Sahadeva Ratha. The third type of curved roof of Champa temples ‘ resembles Draupadi's Ratha, and is probably derived from those of North-Indian style, as Parmentier himself admits.’ It is, however, clear and natural that the Chams did not blindly imitate the Indian prototypes, but added new elements of their own. ‘ But the fact,’ concludes Dr. Majumdar, ‘ that their style was throughout based upon the essential and characteristic features of Indian style seems to be beyond question.’ Dr. Majumdar is equally convinced that Cham sculptures bear striking ‘ agreement with the Indian style in both essential and non-essential elements.’¹