Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c36.9

c36.9

Turning to the second characteristic of these temples, that relating to the architectural treatment of the wall surfaces, it will be seen that the general effect of these is one of horizontality. Such an appearance is fortuitously emphasized in some of the larger examples, as these for various reasons lack their towers and superstructure so that what remains is a long low building in which mouldings, lines, members, and spaces horizontally applied, predominate. As with most styles there is some difference in the surface design of the walls of the vimana compared with that of the pillared hall, the former resolving itself into three horizontal divisions, the latter into two, but both compartments are connected above by a wide continuous cornice In both also there is a high and almost vertical basement, in some instances nine or ten feet in height, not formed of mouldings, but made up into a number of bands containing animated continuous designs, and running right round the building. These carved borders are usually ranked in the same conventional sequence, the lowest, on the ground, consisting of a procession of elephants, signifying strength and stability, then a border of horsemen denoting speed, with a band of spiral foliage and *kirthimukh*, or sun-face (a grotesque mask) above; next in order and most interesting of all as it is on a level with the eye, therefore best observed, is a frieze less than a foot wide depicting a succession of scenes from the great epic poems, a picture-gallery in stone executed with marked dramatic effect and wealth of detail. Then above this is a border of *yalis*, scaly hippopotamic monsters, presumed to symbolize the sacred river Ganges, spouting spirals of foliage, while crowning all is a running pattern of *hangsahs* (*hamsa*) a kind of goose or legendary bird, which, so the poets say, "swims in the waters of the mind of the great" (Plate CXXVII, Fig. 1). In the elevational aspect of the pillared hall the basement is terminated above by an *asana*, or sloping seat-back, and this feature, including also the whole of the structure below, is referred to as the *jagati*. Rising from the *jagati* are the exterior pillars of the hypostyle hall, their moulded shafts spaced at regular intervals around the building with the intercolumnation filled by perforated stone screens. It is not improbable that the first intention in many of these temples was to leave this pillared hall as an open pavilion, but in order to secure privacy, the spaces between the outer pillars were at an early date closed by stone grilles. (Plate CXXVIII, Fig. 1).