Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c28.19

c28.19

One inexplicable feature in connection with this temple is the character of the juncture between the pillared hall and the sanctuary, which seems to imply that the two structures were built at different times The sanctuary may have been added a generation or so later, to take the place of an earlier edifice which had probably fallen into decay. On the other hand there are indications that the *jagamohan* itself may have been the subsequent addition, although on grounds of style this does not appear likely. In any case the joining of the two structures is a haphazard piece of work, as the end of the pillared hall covers up some of the carving on the face of the sanctuary. Moreover, the sculpture is not of the same character in the two buildings, some of that on the *jagamohan* being so naive as to be classed as a folk-art. But one portion stands out as being a production of exceptional merit, namely the two stone grilles, one on each side of the west doorway. (Plate LXXXII, Figs. 2 and 3). These represent figures of young dancers and musicians with trumpet and with shawm, lute and cymbal, so grouped as to form perforated stone windows. In some respects these panels might be reproductions in stone of one of Della Robbia's glazed terracotta reliefs, excelling even the work of that famous Florentine in their vigour and rhythm, and evidently the creation of one who has left this brilliant work of art as the sole record of his inimitable genius.