Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c36.34

c36.34

This bewildering display of plastic art is principally contained within three parallel spaces carried round the manifold planes forming the outer walls of the temple The central space is the main object of this most comprehensive sculpture gallery, for each facet is occupied by a minutely wrought representation of a deity, splendidly apparelled, each figure in height half the size of life, and all modelled in exceedingly high relief, the entire frieze constituting a graphic record of the Hindu Pantheon, unusually complete, with all the accessories, attributes and symbols of each celestial being. Below this remarkable exposition of statuary is a wide vertical space comprising the basement or plinth, its total breadth divided into numerous borders, each formed into a running band of carving of the most entrancing variety. There are elephants and cavaliers, sequences of dramatic narrative scenes, strange and mystical motifs, such as the *hamsa* (goose), the *yali* (hippogryph) and all those fantastic creatures whose origin goes back to the most remote ages. The third and upper space corresponding to a frieze, is treated in a more formal manner, as it is mainly architectural in its character, consisting of niches and canopies, mouldings and pilasters, and all shaded by a heavy projecting cornice or eave This cornice which overhangs the entire wall surface indicates the beginning of the architectural superstructure, now not in existence, but there is little doubt the roof and spire were sculptured in the same lavish fashion.