Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c21.11

c21.11

The temple of Papanath, both in its plan and in elevation, bears every indication of a conception in course of formation (Plate LIII, Fig. 1). In general appearance it is a long low composition some ninety feet in length, with a tower at its eastern end too small and stunted to be in good proportion with the remainder of the building. Much of the inconsistency of its exterior design is brought about by the illogical arrangement of the plan, which illustrates perceptibly the uncertainty that existed at the time as to the correct disposition of the main elements of the structure and their relation to one another. In this instance the vestibule, or *antarala*, is at fault, as the compartment is too large; it takes the shape of a square court, containing four pillars widely set, so that instead of forming a connecting antechamber, it becomes a supplementary assembly hall (Plate LV, Fig. 1). It is this disproportion in the plan that has produced a corresponding disproportion in the elevation. Turning to the more detailed treatment of the different parts of the Papanath temple, the interior presents that massive solid character, both in the bulk of its walls and particularly in the shape of its pillars, which suggests not only the rock-cut influence, but also something elemental. The latter quality is shown in certain of the larger details such as brackets and struts half hidden in the upper gloom, in the form of supernatural creatures, recalling some phase of prehistoric exhi- [Figure: Fig 1 Srinivasanalur, Trichinopoly Dist Temple of Koranganatha , c A D 940]