Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c37.27

c37.27

The doorways of the Kasivisvesvara temple are its chief feature, one on the south, another on the east with a third leading to the cella, each of which is so treated as to possess all the qualities and essentials of a masterpiece. Each of these openings is designed on much the same principle, with a series of mouldings framing the rectangular aperture, but the sides are made structurally, as well as artistically firm by means of a prominent decorative pilaster. Above, is a moulded lintel surmounted by a carved cornice and overdoor, while a massive keystone, finely modelled into a scene of elephants anointing the goddess Lakshmi (*Gaja Lakshmi*) is a central motif The south doorway is perhaps even more elaborate, much thought and imagination having been expended on its design, the effect being increased by the crisp texture of the relief. The remaining example, the doorway leading to the inner shrine, in its plastic handling is equally effective, a spirited battle between elephant-riders and horsemen sculptured almost in the round on the ogee curves of the cornice, assumes the quality of an ivory carving, in the microscopic nature of its technique. There are other temples at Lakkundi, including that of Nanesvara, which is a reproduction to a smaller scale of the foregoing, and is probably of the same date but none of these approaches in size or rich appearance that of the Kasivisvesvara