Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c29.9

c29.9

The touchstone of the Indo-Aryan type of temple is the design of the spire, and the examples of this dominating feature at Khajuraho are the most refined and elegant of their kind. The graceful shape of these sikhara has been effected in two ways, on the one hand by the subtle lineament of the main curves, and on the other by the rhythmic disposal of the subsidiary members attached to them. It is only necessary to compare the Khajuraho form of sikhara with the Orissan type to realize the beauty of the former with its flowing profile. In the first place the contours at Khajuraho are more taut and tenuous, the tempo of the lines is accelerated as they mount up in a more decided incline But the principal refinement is obtained by the design and distribution of the miniature turrets or *urusringas*, which it was the practice to superimpose on the sides to break up the mass. The manner in which the craftsmen at Khajuraho played, and even juggled with these elements in the formation of the sikhara is proof of a long apprenticeship to this kind of work. The principle is illustrated in Plate XCIV. In the simpler examples the builders began by attaching a fairly large flattened half-spire against the lower portion of each side of the central structure, the quoins of which were continued down until stopped by another miniature turret or *urusringa* at the junction of the tower with the substructure. With this as a basis, in the larger examples the scheme was elaborated by means of each of these attachments being duplicated and even triplicated about the lower part of the structure, as are turrets around a Gothic steeple. It will be readily seen that such a system resulted in more melodic outlines to the volume, the fluency thus achieved adding fresh beauty to its strength.