Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c25.11

c25.11

When once established the general principles of the design of the gopuram were fairly consistently maintained, and no radical changes in its architectural structure are recorded. But owing to variations in its appearance and surface treatment it is possible to resolve these gateways into two classes. As regards their main shape there is one type in which the sloping sides are relatively straight, firm and rigid in their contours, and appertaining in their mass more to the strictly pyramidal figure In keeping with its geometrical form, the decoration of this variety is of a conventional order, usually architectural in its character and consisting of pillars and pilasters applied in such a manner as to produce the different stages of its conformation. In the other class of gopuram the sloping sides are not straight but curved and concave, so that the entire building has a soaring upward sweep which, although not entirely substantial, is very impressive. In addition the surface treatment is of a more florid nature, figure-subjects predominate, while every portion is plastered thick with images in a bewildering manner. Here are represented "all the mystic and many weaponed deities of the Siva pantheon, infinitely multiplied and repeated and reduced and carried in rising ranks, and receding tiers, up to the horns of the topmost roof." The roof in this more ornate class of gopuram is indeed a fantastic production with its cornuted gables and its ridge line breaking out into a row of tall pinnacles it forms an appropriate climax to the fretted and pullulating mass below. (Plate LXXVII).