Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c28.28

c28.28

Out of the infinity of forms which appear on the Orissan temples at this time one architectural feature emerges of unusual character. It is best described as a mullioned window, although so designed as to admit but little light and even less air. Openings for such purposes are not common in Indian temple architecture, the brilliant sunshine is reflected into the interior without any need for windows, the object being to restrain this searching light, not to encourage it, and to preserve that half shadow half darkness which gives these halls their religious solemnity. The Gothic cathedral, with more voids than substance, illustrates the other extreme, where light, and more light, was the architect's constant aim in a climate of low visibility. An Orissan temple window is devised on the simple principle of a rectangular opening filled with a row of uprights at close intervals, but the manner in which this scheme is decoratively handled converts it into a notable work of art. As a framework to the opening the carver indulged in a variety of mouldings, pilasters, and cornices, according to his fancy, but it was in the design of the uprights that he introduced the most delicate forms In the temples of lesser importance these mullions took the shape of graceful balusters, like small tapering pillars with moulded capitals and bases perfectly proportioned and skilfully fashioned. But in the larger temples, as for instance in the Lingaraja, each upright in addition to its upper and lower decoration, carried on its shaft a female figure, voluptuously modelled and languorously posed, the whole conception presenting an effect of exuberance evidently expressive of the luxuriousness prevailing in the existing social environment