The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c14.s2.8

c14.s2.8

The pillars and pilasters, with their capitals, are beautifully wrought (Plate LXXI). The round parts of the shafts of the pillars of this period were turned on a lathe, and their surfaces were brought to a high polish. The material being a very fine-grained stone and easily cut, it was possible to turn the finest and most delicate mouldings without fear of breaking the sharp edges. Of this property the sculptors availed themselves to the utmost, and have produced in stone--work such as would appear at first sight only possible in ivory or silver. The design of the pillars is carried out on more graceful lines than in the earlier examples, and there is better proportion between the parts. The brackets, above the capitals, are especially worth notice, the little lions, kīrtimukhas, and scrolls being very much undercut. The ceilings are poor, being decorated with a plain lotus.