Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c29.6

c29.6

With the plan so simply and logically projected, the formation of the elevation presented no difficulties, and the designers showed great intelligence and aesthetic knowledge by the manner in which they carried out their handiwork. The mass, or volume comprising the Khajuraho temple-type moves in an upward direction, its trend is towards height, in much the same way as an aspiring quality is a characteristic of the Gothic church Raised up on its lofty terrace, the building resolves itself into three main parts, consisting of an emphatically high basement story, above which are the walls and openings of the interior compartments, while over all is a grouping of roofs culminating in the tall and graceful *sikhara* To accentuate the soaring impulse there are a number of pronounced vertical projections, which not only lead the eye upwards, but produce a variety of vertically inclined and well-disposed passages of light and shade The architectural treatment of these three main elements forming the elevational aspect of the structure shows consummate skill. A rich and diverse series of mouldings lightens the substantial proportions of the plinth, the spreading base of which seems to grip firmly the pavement of the terrace, like the roots of a symmetrical and well-grown tree. The intermediate portion of the building above this, comprising the central feature of the scheme and enclosing the halls of the interior is handled in an equally artistic manner. Where the remaining surfaces of the structure are solids, here the builder has introduced his voids, consisting of a horizontal range of window openings, thus, bringing in light and air, and at same time throwing a vivid band of intense shadow athwart the whole composition. There are few more attractive conceptions in the field of Indian architecture than these lovely balconied openings, and few, either structurally or aesthetically, more appropriate to their purpose