Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c22.25

c22.25

The remaining portions of the temple-scheme, although essential to the composition as a whole, are substantially in the nature of accessories. There is the Nandi shrine in front, a pavilion twenty feet square and standing on a solid yet highly decorated base the entire height being fifty feet, in order to bring it level with the rest of the temple to which it is connected by a bridge. On the opposite side this shrine is joined in the same manner with the sole entrance a fine double-storied gatehouse with ample accommodation for the temple guardians, the whole combination forming a suitable introduction to the main design. Encircling the courtyard are cloisters composed of a colonnade of pillars the regularity of which is broken at intervals by the entrances to side chambers ; as a rich background to the central mass nothing could be more appropriate. Finally there are the two free-standing pillars, or *dhwajasthambhas*, fifty-one feet high, one on each side of the nandi shrine, in themselves finished works of art, gracefully proportioned yet strongly stable, their place in the architectural scheme being somewhat analogous to the obelisk in the Egyptian temple. Each bore the trisul, or ensign of Siva, to whom the Kailasa was dedicated, but in addition to this and other symbolism carved on their surfaces, the shape of these pillars has its significance. This is seen in the contours of the capital. During the early stages of the evolution of the Dravidian style, as has been already noticed in the very primitive pilasters of the Ladh Khan temple at Aihole dating from the fifth century, a type of capital was being formulated the distinguishing features of which were a "cushion" member above a constricted neck. A development of this combination produced the Dravidian "order", of which these monolithic columns of the Kailasa are an interpretation, the constricted neck having been transformed into that sloping shape below the cushion cap, a contraction of the outline which is unmistakable. Throughout the entire architectural scheme, pilasters and pillars of the Dravidian order are in evidence, although occasional examples of the "vase and foliage" type of capital have been introduced, showing that in this instance the influence of the northern style still persisted.