Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c39.29

c39.29

The third and remaining architectural element is the pillar, to the capital of which reference has been already made. It is not so much the application of this feature to every part of the composition, which is of consequence, although it is undoubtedly the keynote of the style, but it is the character of the pillars and specifically of its capital, and the supposed resemblance to a classical model, that is significant. On comparing the Kashmır example with, for instance, the Doric order of the Romans, there is a certain similarity of form, but this will be found to be more apparent than real Where the orders of the two styles do correspond is in the ovolo member, a conspicuous element in both types of capital, decorated in each instance with a typical motif, in the Roman example with an "egg and dart" design, and with a series of full-blown lotus petals in that of Kashmir. Above the capitals of both styles is an abacus having somewhat the same appearance in each, but here the similarity ends, for the range of mouldings over this in the Kashmır example does not compare with the Roman entablature There are moulded bases to each type of pillar, and the shafts of both are fluted, although as in all Indian building construction, these shafts are monolithic with their ends socketed into the capital and base the Indian stone-mason never learning to build these up in drums as did the Greeks and Romans.