Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c28.8

c28.8

Turning now to the main group of temples in the Orissan style in the neighbourhood of Bhubaneswar, several facts become apparent which indicate that nevertheless in many of its aspects this architectural movement was very largely of an independent nature. Not only are the plans and general treatment of these religious structures of a special character, but the building art has a separate and distinct nomenclature of its own. The generic name for a temple is *deul*, but as the building in the first instance consisted very often of a sanctuary only, the same word was employed for this tower-like structure also. In front of the *deul* is a square building or assembly hall corresponding to the *mandapa* in other parts, but here known as the *jagamohan*. These two edifices combined constitute the essentials of the Orissan temple type. As the style progressed and also as the temple ritual was developed, other buildings were found necessary, and were added to the front of the assembly hall, thus presenting in the larger examples a series of structures all in one axial alignment. The two buildings usually supplemented were first the *Nat-Mandir* or Dancing Hall, and secondly in front of this the *Bhog Mandir* or Hall of Offerings. Standing on a basement or a plinth (*pista*), these halls were invariably of one story only, and the elevation of each consisted of two parts, a cubical portion (*bada*) below, and a pyramidal roof (*pida*) above. In the same way the lower and upright portion of the *deul* or tower is called the *bada*, but above that it is resolved into three parts, comprising the tall middle portion or *chhapra*, the flat fluted disc at the summit known as the *amla*, and its finial or *kalasa*. This glossary might be extended indefinitely, as the Orissan mason has a technical name for every section, member, and moulding, but except to the actual workmen, many of these serve no useful purpose and a full list would only confuse. Some of the more important terms are shown in the diagram on Plate LXXX.