Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c29.5

c29.5

The Khajuraho temples have a definitely individual architectural character, different from that in any other part of the country. In the first place instead of being contained within the customary enclosure wall, each stands on a high and solid masonry terrace, the intention being no doubt to detach itself in this manner from its temporal environment On the broad platform thus produced, each temple has been erected, not as a number of conjoined buildings, but as one unified structure, all its parts so incorporated as to form a compact architectural synthesis. None of them is of any great size, the largest is only slightly over a hundred feet in length, so that they are by no means imposing edifices but they rely for their appearance on their elegant proportions, graceful contours, and rich surface treatment The method by which such admirable results were attained becomes evident on analysis, as those who built them were obviously experienced in the practical requirements of the structure, and accordingly began with the plan (Plate XCIV, Fig. 6). On the ground this took the general shape of a Latin cross with its long axis from east to west, the sole entrance being on the east, at the foot of the cross. This shape was divided into three main compartments, namely the cella or *garbhagriha*, an assembly hall or *mandapa*, and an entrance portico or *ardha-mandapa*. Supplementing these are the *antarāla* or vestibule to the cella, and, in the more developed examples, the transepts or *maha-mandapa*, together with a processional passage around the cella.