Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c30.12

c30.12

The most complete example of the Osia group is a Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira, as it consists of a sanctum, a closed hall, and an open porch, immediately in front of which is an ornate torana or gateway. It appears to have been first built at the end of the eighth century, and then repaired and added to in the tenth century, so that it is a record of development over two periods. This is shown by the changes in style of the building throughout, but particularly in the character of the pillars, in which it is possible to compare those of the mandapa belonging to the original structure with the later examples in the second porch; this latter apartment or *nal mandapa* is so called because it was erected subsequently over the *nal*, or staircase, leading into the interior of the building. To add to the history of this temple, the torana or entrance archway appears to be even a still later addition, probably made in the eleventh century. In this one building alone, therefore, it is possible to follow the course of the style over a period of several centuries. One of its outstanding features are the pillars of the porch, as they represent the post-Gupta order in its ripest state. That this form of pillar found favour for some considerable time is shown by almost exactly the same design figuring in the temple of Mala De at Gyraspur, which can hardly be earlier than the tenth century. It also appears in the triple-shrined Vaishnava temple near Amvan in Kota State, and in the temple of Kalika Mata at Chitorgadh, all evidently of equal date. (Plate CII).