Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c31.40

c31.40

During the last years of the thirteenth century the Muhammedan rulers at Delhi invaded Gujarat and put an end to the Solanki dynasty. But before the collapse of this indigenous line, one outstanding monument was added to the list of those which arose during their ascendency, and with it the style draws to a close. This building is the Jain temple of Tejpala at Mount Abu, dating from about 1230 A.D., and in proportions, quality of idea, and material, resembling the Vimala temple, already described, and erected on the adjacent site exactly two hundred years previously. So much alike are these two Jain temples, the Vimala and the Tejpala, that it is commonly supposed the one was copied from the other, but it is more probable that the Tejpala illustrates the natural evolution of the style, the few differences proving the really small extent the architectural mode changed during the course of the two centuries that separates the raising of the two buildings. Such differences are mainly matters of detail, among which is the treatment of the eight different types of pillars to be found in the later example. The shafts are in most instances circular in section and are evenly diapered with mouldings and conventional or geometrical patterns resembling reticulations. In many of these pillar designs the carver appears to have lost some of his first fine spirit, yet something of the old vigour is discernible in the convoluted struts holding them together, the curves of which are strong and graceful. As a whole however the Tejpala temple has not the freshness of the earlier example, nor does it show such creative energy, for the original ardour of the craftsmen was slowing down. There remains a sense of perfection in its workmanship, but it is mechanical perfection, with an over-refinement and concentration on detail implying the beginning of the decline. The high time of the Solanki style was passing.