The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts c7.34

c7.34

A very remarkable feature in these temples is the heavy cornice of double curvature used around the great open halls. A deep cornice was necessary to keep out the sun's hot rays and prevent the rain from beating in between the pillars. Very good examples of this are seen in the Baṅkāpur and Kundgol temples (Plates XCVI and XCVII). The underside is ribbed in imitation of a wooden frame-work. Some temples, like that of Sarasvatī at Gadag, have straight-slabbed cornices which are lighter looking and, sometimes perhaps, more elegant than the heavier curved ones.