Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c31.42

c31.42

Of the monumental towers there is one exceptionally well-designed example in a style related to that of the Solanki period, and dating from the twelfth century. This *Jaya-Stambha* at Chitor in Rajputana (the earlier of two such structures, as there is another in the same locality of the fifteenth century), was probably a "Pillar of Fame" set up before a Jain temple, which has now disappeared. (Plate XCVI). A temple stands besides the tower but it is a fourteenth century production, evidently built on the site of the original edifice. The tower rises to some eighty feet in height, and is in eight stories, the active principles of this fine conception plainly showing that the craftsmen were by no means slaves to the temple-type, but could, when required, create equally beautiful buildings of another kind and for another purpose Its foundation is a simple platform from which mount the spreading mouldings of the basement to support the most prominent feature, corresponding the *mandovara* or wall-space in the temple design, a projecting story consisting of tabernacles and niches containing figures. Above this the stories recede or expand in measured alternation to finish in an open pillared pavilion with a pyramidal roof which forms the summit. Each story is enriched with mouldings, balconied-windows, turrets and other architectural motifs, the whole presenting an appearance of animated variety yet all in perfect unison, a subtle blending of the qualities of beauty and strength.