Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c13.s2.7

c13.s2.7

In the facade of the Gautamiputra example at Nasik the designer has worked out a somewhat similar scheme, but with elaborations, as in addition to the range of pillars forming the portico, he has placed their bases behind a richly carved dwarf wall, while below he has sculptured a row of giant figures appearing to carry the entire structure, by means of projecting beams, on their shoulders like an immense tabernacle Under its enormous weight these stalwart atlantes, rising out of the earth, with bulging muscles stagger along, seeming to represent elemental beings from an underworld, forced into the service of the creed Above the portico is a broad architrave supported on the superstructure of the pillars, each of which consists of either a pair of elephants, bulls, gryphons or other beasts, while there is a a fine border of animals, alternating with a scroll of foliage, the whole rendered with exceptional spirit. The entrance doorway in the inner wall of the portico is a square-headed opening surrounded by an elaborate ornamental composition in which are included figures of an unusual character. In some respects the treatment of this doorway recalls that of the Sanchi toranas, as it has lintels or crossbars with voluted ends, but like most of the rock-carving at Nasik, although it retains the principles of the style, shows a marked originality and independence in certain details