Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c21.24

c21.24

It becomes tolerably clear therefore that the much improved design and execution of the Virupaksha temple were mainly due to the purposeful application of the Chalukyan builders to the task in hand, who, during the ensuing intervals, made it an occasion to acquire much practical proficiency. This is seen in the better proportions and adjustment of the plan, with its resultant effect on the external formation of the building. Although by no means a finished exposition of the essential parts of the temple system, the size and position of the vestibule, including the junction of the shrine-chamber with the pillared hall, are logical and well-conceived, and mark a distinct advance. Such an arrangement represents however only a stage in the temple development. For the final achievement in this direction it is necessary to compare it with the Chalukyan temples of the early mediaeval period, as for instance the productions at Kukkanur and Lakkundi of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries (Chapter XXX), where the entire composition is shown fully matured (Plate LV, Fig. 3).