Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c43.46

c43.46

Another architectural constituent remarkable on account of its originality, is the great depth of the range of torus mouldings, particularly those forming the high stylobate of the middle storey of the building. As already mentioned, presumably a memory of the logs supporting their primitive dwellings, although the repetition of these string courses has reached its reasonable limit as shown in certain parts of the Angkor Vat, at the same time they do not fatigue the eye and fit into the scheme in a rational manner. Some of this effect is due to the introduction at correct intervals of massive cornice-like elements, suggesting equilibrium, stability, and strength just where such qualities are most needed. It is instructive to compare these with the bold torus mouldings at the base of the Chola temples of Southern India proving how virtually the same results may be obtained but in a somewhat different manner. Similarly, also derived from a usage found in the earliest phase of Khmer history, are the double flexured fluted roofs over the corridors, originally executed in terracotta now appearing as slabs of sandstone, their rippling texture not only affording a pleasing contrast to their more conventional lithic surroundings, but serving the practical purpose of speedily throwing off the heavy rain. In the formation of these corridors, pillars and piers are extensively used, having shafts generally square or octagonal in section, and monolithic in structure as was also the practice in the temples of India. No special treatment was accorded to the capitals of the pillars, they were commonly moulded or patterned, but not sufficiently distinctive in the design to constitute an "order." The application of these pillars to produce light in the corridors and also to form by their long colonnades and arcades effective passages of alternating solids and voids in the elevational aspect of the composition indicate that the builders realized the increased vitality that such a procedure brought into their scheme. In connection with the method of lighting, rectangular window openings were devised and also, on occasion, a continuous screen of apertures was inserted, but broken up in an effective fashion For in these openings moulded mullions, evidently turned on a lathe and resembling slender balustrades, were set at close intervals, thus providing most effectually and also artistically the admission of light and air. It is tolerably clear that these uprights were copied in the first instance from either wooden slats or sections of bamboo originally used as windows in their primitive wooden huts. Such mullioned openings are found in many of the temple buildings of Cambodia, as in that of Prah Khan and of Banteay Srei, in their pattern and intention recalling similarly balustrated apertures in some of the temples of India, particularly at Bhubaneswar in Orissa of about the same date.