Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c39.34

c39.34

Of the same character, although smaller yet similar in its proportions, was the entrance gateway to the temple, a substantial portal sufficiently large in size to balance the main shrine of which in appearance it was a modified replica It contained an inner and outer compartment with the doorway in between, the whole surmounted by a pyramidal roof, and its surfaces were moulded and carved As a contrast to the massive volume of both the central building and the gateway, the pillared arcade of the enclosure wall supplies the lighter values of the scheme, and quickened tempo with its fluent alternations of light and shade. The outward semblance therefore of the temple in its entirety is that of a well-balanced composition, the structural principles employed providing for an upward tendency in the lines and masses of the central building, areas of lateral space in its surrounding courtyard, equilibrium by the introduction of the gateway, and rhythm in the regular intercolumnation of the encircling peristyle. In spite of its appearance of largeness the dimensions of the whole are quite moderate. On plan the central structure occupies a rectangle 62 feet long and 35 feet wide, the projecting wings of the portico extending the width at the front to 56 feet. Although the main shrine is a square, the cella in its interior is an oblong of 18½ feet by 14 feet placed transversely, while the entire height of this central building was in the vicinity of 70 feet. The quadrangle measures 220 feet long by 142 feet broad, the pillars facing this enclosure being 84 in number, each 9½ feet in height with a space between of 6½ feet at the base. As an indication of its proportions it may be noted that the total area of the enclosure corresponds to that of the cloisters at Wells Cathedral, while the central structure itself approximates in its ground plan to the dimensions of its Chapter House.