Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c13.s2.17

c13.s2.17

The architectural treatment of Rani Gumpha is characteristic of the Orissan style of rock-architecture as a whole, and provides the key to the entire movement. In the design of the pillars supporting the verandahs and the pilasters of the mural arcading two traditions are represented, the former on the one hand shown by their simple bracket capitals that they are of indigenous origin derived from a wooden prototype; on the other hand the pilasters on the walls with their capitals formed of addorsed animals are debased descendants of the Persepolitan order, still identifiable although rough and coarse in their technique. Yet in spite of the appearance of this classical motif, there is much in the decorative nature of the arches to connect it with the early structural art of the country. It is fairly clear that this ornamental arcading was suggested by the wooden barge-boards at the gable-end of the ordinary house, adapted and repeated so as to become mere embellishment. It is possible to see by the manner in which each member of the arcading fulfils its purpose, the arch "riding" firmly on the pilaster capital, the "railing" string-course fitting securely into the expanded "springer", with the central positions of this rail-moulding supported on corbels, all of which are reminiscences of a structural experience of no common order. Of the plastic decoration of a less conventional nature on the Rani Gumpha, there are certain floral forms boldly modelled and singularly Gothic in their execution, but the chief interest centres in the figure scenes, the frieze already referred to being full of spirit and dramatic power. There are also single figures of life-size proportions sculptured in prominent positions, some of them armed with spears acting as guardians or doorkeepers Of striking appearance are two burly individuals mounted on ponderous animals, the one seated on a bull being strangely Assyrian in its modelling and conception as a whole Within the cells of this gumpha there are the remains of a system of water-supply, apparently conveyed from a rock-cut cistern above, and distributed by means of channels throughout the entire composition, but whether for ablutions, or connected with the ritual is not clear.