Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c32.7

c32.7

A certain originality is also noticeable in the plans of these temples, as in the larger examples they are laid out on a diagonal arrangement, and there is also a marked elaboration in the shape of the walls A feature of the temple plans in several regions are the projections and recesses of the wall surfaces, which as they mount upwards, catch the light or retain the shade, adding an unusual vitality to the character of the elevational effect This method was carried to its extreme limit in the Deccani temples so that few structures are more varied or have greater vivacity of appearance than the fluted examples of this large group. In more than one instance this treatment has been carried almost to excess, as in the case of the temple of Jagadambadevi at Kokamthan, where the exterior is so ruggedly patterned as to resemble a form of eroded rock. Fully aware of the effect of this vertical tendency in his scheme and to counteract any undue upward trend the designer threw across the entire composition a close series of horizontal passages, chiefly in the form of mouldings, the two systems combined comprising the architectural make-up of his conception Many of these mouldings are of a special variety, having a kind of knife-edged section, and named *kani*. The *kani* moulding runs throughout many of the examples like a theme, observable not only on the wall surfaces, but it is particularly noticeable in the design of the pillars, sometimes giving the building a sharp linear effect distinctive of the productions of this region.