The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c14.s1.1

c14.s1.1

BETWEEN the early temples already described and those that follow there is a wide gulf which does not seem to be bridged over by any examples unless it be that which we shall now consider. Not only in style is there a great difference between the earlier and these later Chālukyan temples, but the material of which they are built has changed from the rougher-grained sandstone to the more compact and finer black stone known as chloritic schist, which dresses down to a much finer surface, and has enabled the sculptors to produce so much of that fine delicate lace-like tracery which characterises the later work. The change in the material was probably conducive to the change in style.