Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c32.15

c32.15

Representing the style at its next stage, during the first half of the twelfth century, is one of the most complete and best preserved buildings of the Deccan series, the Gondeswara temple at Sinnar, in the Nasik district. (Plate CXV, Fig 1). An example of the *panchayatana* class, as the temple is surrounded by four small supplementary shrines, the whole conception stands on a moulded and stepped platform measuring 125 feet by 95 feet. With a Nandi pavilion facing the eastern main entrance, the group of structures forming the entire composition is symmetrically disposed on this elevated space in a very competent manner. The main building occupying the centre of the platform is elegantly proportioned, its two parts, the sabha-mandapa with the vimana behind rising above it, although obviously separate compartments, are blended into an architectural unity by the same cornice being carried round the whole structure, thus binding them together. Yet the difference in the two portions of the conception is emphasized by the treatment of their roofs, both being composed of miniature models of themselves, those in the sabha-mandapa being short flat shapes characteristic of that structure, while on the vimana they are the taller forms of the sikhara. The extreme dimensions of this building measure 78 feet in length and 67 feet in breadth, and the inside of the pillared hall is only 21 feet square, but the three outstanding columned porticos by which it is entered add not a little to its size, grace, and dignified appearance Although the general proportions of this temple are as good as any of its class, on the other hand there is a falling off in the quality of the sculpture adorning its walls which seems to indicate that a decline in the style was beginning at this date.