Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c17.6

c17.6

The supremacy of the Guptas lasted only for 160 years, but the particular style of art associated with this dynasty was produced over a considerably longer period, the vitality of the movement giving it sufficient momentum to make its influence felt even in mediaeval times. These Gupta buildings date from the fourth to the sixth centuries, the earlier examples, besides being in accordance with the generical formula of a flat roof and pillared portico, possessed other distinctive features. Among the specific characteristics are (*a*) the shape of the pillars and capitals, (*b*) the treatment of the inter-columnation, (*c*) the system of continuing the architrave as a string-course round the entire building, and (*d*) the design of the doorway. The principal examples of this type now remaining are as follows: a temple at Tigawa in the Jubbulpore district; the Narasina and the other shrines at Eran (N.E. of Bhilsa); Temple No. 17 at Sanchi; a temple at Bhamara in Nagod State; a temple at Nachna in Ajaigarh State; and a group of rock-cut sanctuaries at Udaigiri near Bhopal. Of these the most typical is the Vishnu temple of Kankali Devi at Tigawa,¹ which, in spite of later additions to its frontage, still retains much of its original appearance (Plate XLII, Fig 1).