Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c31.11

c31.11

As regards the elevational aspect of the Solanki type of temple, it will be seen that the architectural scheme is divided horizontally into three main sections, consisting of the basement or *pitha*, the *mandovara* or wall-face up to the entablature or cornice, and the superstructure comprising the roof, in the case of the shrine portion (*vimana*) the spire or *sikhara*. Something of this kind of three-fold arrangement conditions the elevation of the majority of temples in the Indo-Aryan style, but it assumes a fairly fixed convention in those on the western side of the country. Furthermore, the same divisional system may be traced in most of the other architectural productions, such as in the archways, towers, columns or any upright composition. For instance, each of these has a moulded base or basement corresponding to the *pitha*, above which is a vertical portion containing niches and figures, resembling in this respect the *mandovara* or wall-face of the temple The third or uppermost division of the structure, which may be referred to as the attic portion whether tower or pillar, is designed according to need, for instance in the temple it is a series of ascending stories, and in the pillar, the capital and its entablature or other accompaniments. (Plate CIII).