Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c46.22

c46.22

Regarded in all its aspects therefore the Borobudur represents not only the high water mark of Javanese creative genius, but stands forth as one of the world's greatest constructional and artistic masterpieces. Here it may be noted that this immense stupa corresponds in its vast bulk and sculptured magnificence to that other stupendous building undertaking rising somewhat later also in Greater India, the temple of Angkor Vat in Cambodia. Both these grand architectural productions were an expression in material form of Hindu-Buddhist ideals emanating from an Indian source It is also significant that both were the conception and creation of people living outside the accepted geographical limits of the country in which these ideals originated. No Hindu or Buddhist monument in India can compare with either of these achievements, not in size, architectural character, plastic embellishment, or in the vision that incited them. It yet remains to be explained how these supreme accomplishments came to be planned and brought to such perfect consummation in both countries so far removed from the origin of their inspiration.