Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c37.7

c37.7

As to the surface treatment of the exterior walls, in this particular aspect of the Chalukyan style, this is exceptionally well rendered. Owing to the nature of the temple composition, the outside walls in most regional developments provided a large area for decoration, of which the architectural sculptors took full advantage. This spacious wall surface was due to the fact that windows, or, in fact, voids of any kind, were rarely required. When one compares the brilliant climatic effects of the Orient with those of the west, where many windows are a necessity, as shown for instance in the Gothic buildings of Europe, the lack of such openings in the architecture of India will be understood. Sufficient light for the temple-structure was obtained mainly by reflection through the doorways, and, moreover, the impressiveness of the interior was emphasized by low illumination. In place therefore of any structural features interrupting the exterior surfaces of the building, the designers were faced with the problem of giving an effective appearance to the walls by some form of plastic decoration, preferably having an architectural basis. As already shown in some styles the difficulty was avoided by filling in the wall space with figure sculpture, not infrequently distributed over the surfaces with the minimum amount of order or restraint. Such an expedient however did not commend itself to the builders of the temples now under reference, as they rose to the occasion in a masterly manner, finishing off their structural scheme with decorative elements of great charm, and applied with taste and experience. For few buildings in India display a more appropriate system of architectural embellishment than the temples in this phase of the Chalukyan mode.