Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c35.22

c35.22

known as *bastis* (lit. *basadi*), grouped on the shoulder of the Chandragiri hill. These are fifteen in number, most of them dating from the twelfth century and all are in the Dravidian style of this period, as described elsewhere. The largest and finest of the group is the *basti* of Chamundaraya, which may have been founded as early as A.D. 980, but the present building was probably erected about 1135 A.D. Its dimensions are not inconsiderable, as it measures 70 feet in length, including the portico on its eastern front, and it is 36 feet wide. Except that it has few openings of any kind in its sides in order to conform to the Jain observances, it is of the usual type of the south, with a pyramidal sikhara surmounted by a domical finial at its western end. Owing mainly to the lack of voids in the exterior elevation, the inclusion of which gives such contrast and vitality of effect to the Brahmanical temple of the same period, this Jain temple is inclined to be ineffective and lifeless The remaining *bastis* on Chandragiri Hill are of much the same character and therefore call for little comment.