Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c33.6

c33.6

More orthodox in style than the preceding, are the two remaining temples of the series in Gwalior Fort, both designated *Sas-Bahu*, literally the "mother-in-law and daughter-in-law," the origin of which nomenclature is also obscure. Both are in much the same architectural mode, the smaller of the two, although an elegant little building, in comparison with the large example, of which it is a reduced and simplified copy, is relatively unimportant For, apart from considerations of style and structure the large Sas-Bahu temple is a most informative production, its composition and treatment generally adding not a little to our knowledge of architectural development at this period (Plate CXVII) Dedicated to Vishnu in the last years of the eleventh century, although still a grand pile, this temple is but a portion of the original conception, as only the main hall or mandapa remains, the vimana with its sikhara which was probably 150 feet in height having disappeared On plan the building is in the form of a cross, the entire length being 100 feet, the width across the transepts 63 feet, while the height of the great hall was originally about 80 feet.