Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c39.10

c39.10

Sometime after the close of this early Buddhist phase, the mediaeval movement comes into view, the beginning of a grand classical development of architecture, of which the first records emerge in the eighth century. And the difference between the two phases is remarkable. These subsequent productions are so vastly superior to the earlier, that the two appear to have no relation to one another, and so advanced are the later classical achievements that it seems to exemplify the phenomenon, which occasionally happens, of a movement born fully matured Such a manifestation recalls the almost spontaneous bursting into brilliant florescence of Gothic architecture in Europe in the latter part of the twelfth century; and in Asia that structural and sculptural perfection which presents itself so unexpectedly in the majestic stupas, temples and palaces of Java and Cambodia in the ninth to the twelfth centuries. Whether on such occasions finality was reached by practising with impermanent materials until exact results were obtained, or whether such aesthetic outpourings signify that all conditions conspired to create works of genius, can only be conjectured. But whatever were the circumstances which brought forth these great historical masterpieces of the building art without any evidence of gradual growth, few countries can show a more decisive leap forward in the materialization of its architectural ideals than Kashmir in the eighth century A D. It was a change from the productions of children or pigmies, to that of experienced giants. For, as already shown, the building technique of the early period was of an almost elementary description, consisting of walls formed of pebbles held together with mud Then, after a comparatively short interval, without any recorded transition, the face of the valley was transformed by the appearance of a number of monumental buildings on a grand scale, constructed of immense stones wrought with astonishing precision, their surfaces finely dressed, and bonded by exact and scientific means, all showing profound experience and patient skill In spite of the fact that the productions representing this development in its initial aspect are now in complete ruin, the remains are sufficient to prove that at this time there flourished in Kashmir a style of stone architecture, which for massive strength, simplicity of statement and expert technical accomplishment can have had few equals.