Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c33.16

c33.16

Of the remaining temples, that of Jugal Kishore is the most prominent, as its shrine, octagonal in plan, is intact and attached by one of its sides to a rectangular assembly hall. (Plate CXIV, Fig. 2). Although externally the sanctuary is an octagon of 35 feet in diameter, the cella in its interior is a square of only 17 feet side The interior of the assembly hall is also a square of dimensions differing but little from those of the cella, leaving therefore a great thickness of wall around both compartments. In the case of the assembly hall within this mass of masonry small chambers have been introduced, as well as recesses for images. Around the main eastern entrance there is a considerable amount of carving which has a noticeable Islamic flavour. But the most distinctive portions of several of these Brindaban temples are the sikharas which in style and shape are unique, as they bear little or no resemblance to any other kind of Indian temple spire. They rise from an octagonal plan and taper into a tall conical tower (that of Madan Mohan being as much as sixty-five feet in height) with a broad band of mouldings outlining each angle. At intervals throughout their height are similar bands of mouldings placed transversely, so that the surface effect is that of a series of diminishing rectangular panels. Overhanging the whole at the apex is a ponderous finial, or *amasila*, a flat circular disc, its outer edge ornamented with a border of massive knob-like petals or flutes. The attempt by means of this unusual treatment to achieve something original has been successful, but as a work of art this form of sikhara has not much to commend it