Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c20.6

c20.6

In this matter of appraisement, however, one factor should receive special consideration. This is the spectator's mental point of view. It should be realized that in all works of art, and particularly in the temple architecture of the country, in the mind of the Indian people, the religious, philosophical, and metaphysical qualities of the production take first place, the artistic character being regarded as secondary The intellect of the age, absorbed largely in divine contemplation, is reflected in the temple ideal, where the spiritual dominates the material. "O ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord," signifies this ideal, and the innate aesthetic sense of the people caused each creation to be an inspired work of art. It is from this standpoint that the architecture of India should be viewed, and from this direction approached.