Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c12.28

c12.28

The maturity of the early series of chaitya halls is shown in the two very fine examples at Bedsa and Karli, in which the scheme of the facade differs very materially from any of the preceding. In both instances the outstanding feature of the exterior takes the form of a massive propylaeum carved out of the rock face and serving as a kind of vestibule to the arcaded screen in its rear. That at Bedsa which is probably the earlier, is composed of two columns between pilasters, planned on the same principle as the entrance to a *distyle in antis* type of Greek temple. Only a restricted view of this notable conception is possible as the approach to it is marked by masses of rock left in the rough on either side, for some purpose which is not clear. It is the design and execution of the pillars and pilasters of the portico which make the facade such a remarkable production, as by means of an elaborately carved superstructure they act as supports to the main beam of the roof, all however in one solid piece as the entire frontage is carved out of the natural rock. Derived from the Asokan free-standing monoliths the pillars show the extent of their departure from the classical model during the interval of two hundred years The companiform capital remains only slightly altered, and there is the sculptured group above corresponding to the carved Buddhist symbols on the original. But the vase-shaped base, the octagonal shaft, and various additions to the capital are innovations, several of which suggest a survival from a primitive and indigenous source. The eye is instinctively attracted by the group of figures and animals surmounting the capitals, each of which consists of a male and female figure lightly clad but with heavy ornaments seated astride kneeling animals, on the one side horses and on the other elephants. These groups are exceptionally vivid and spirited examples of rock sculpture, evidently the work of a master craftsman in this medium. Above the figures are the beams, binding joists, and other wooden features of the portico roof all copied most literally in the rock the whole being completed by a parapet of railing design carried across the entire front. Within the portico is the inner facade with its arrangement of archway, sun-window, and entrance doorway all placed according to the conventional disposition of these essential elements. The interior of the chaitya hall is severely plain, the pillars being merely copies of octagonal posts without bases or capitals, although on some of the shafts are carved Buddhist symbols. An appreciable amount of woodwork in the form of vault ribs and other additions was originally attached, but most of it has disappeared within recent years and at one time there were traces of fresco painting with which the pillars and also the stupa were decorated The hall is small in size, being only 45½ feet long and 21 feet wide.