Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c36.37

c36.37

Passing into the temple, the scheme of the interior is congested and complex, owing to the size and near proximity of the pillars, and the accumulation of other elements, but it resolves itself into transverse aisles, with a four-square group of pillars in the space formed by the intersection, thus comprising the nave. What is remarkable however is the manner in which every feature of these columned corridors is loaded with ornament, each shaft moulded and fluted, and each capital supporting a heavily figured *madanakaı* bracket, so closely set that they almost touch each other beneath the weighty beams. Such a “systematisation of confusion” rules out any appearance of breadth or space, there are few vistas or open passages as the whole is a labyrinth of fretted columns, sinuous projections, and perforated screens