Studies in Indian Art c14.s1.4

c14.s1.4

The medieval period of our history falls into two divisions: Early Medieval (8th-9th cent.) and Late Medieval (10th-12th century). Four great imperial powers strived for supremacy in the first period, viz. the Gurjara-Pratihāras in the north (Kanauj), the Rāṣṭrakūṭas in the Deccan (Mānyakheṭa), the Pallavas in the far south (Kāñchī), and the Pālas in the east (Bihar-Bengal). The architectural monuments of the Gurjara-Pratihāras in north India have rolled into dust, leaving the whole Madhyadeśa a blank for old Brahmanical temples. The Rāṣṭrakūṭas were more fortunate, having left the magnificent Kailāsa temple of Ellora, as an immortal monument to their glory. The Kailāsa temple of Dhārāpurī (Elephanta), although a little later, is in the same tradition, combining rich sculpture with bold architecture. The Kailāsanātha temple of Kāñchīpurī in the south is a Pallava monument eloquent with the same spirit, but rather conventionalised. The sculptures and images of the Pāla school belong to the early medieval art, and at times show genuine grace and feeling.