Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c31.21

c31.21

Among the earliest buildings of this period were the four temples at Sunak, Kanoda, Delmal and Kasara all situated within a radius of some fifteen miles from Patan, the old Solanki capital in Gujarat. Presumably dating from about the end of the tenth century, they are all small edifices of comparatively simple parts, consisting of a vimana or shrine with an open pillared portico in front, but although modest in plan and proportions they display in their sculptured detail all the characteristic copiousness of the style. The open mandapa is contained within a dwarf wall, above which, leaning outwardly, is the sloping *asana*, or traditional "seat-back", while the pillars of the interior are square in section with reminiscences of the vase and foliage motif among the decorations of the shaft. Although very complete in themselves there are indications in this small group that the style was in course of development. The best preserved examples is the Nilakantha temple at Sunak, as its *sikhara* is entire, even to the *amalasila* finial, and the building itself is a gem of its kind.