Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c32.3

c32.3

A VARIATION of the Indo-Aryan style was produced during the early mediaeval period in a tract of country forming a portion of the Deccan This tract comprises an extensive area of the middle-west of the peninsula, being contained between the river Tapti on the north, and the upper branch of the Kistna on the south It is a part of India having notable architectural traditions as it includes within its limits the finest examples of the rock-cut mode, such as Ajanta and Ellora, which in themselves are sufficient to provide a grand source for architectural inspiration. This rock method of expression, to all intents and purposes, was drawing to a close towards the end of the tenth century, so that with the beginning of the structural movement, now to be described a new era of architectural development dawns.