History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s3.10

v1.c19.s3.10

Saiva one of Pâpanâtha at Pattadakal, built probably not very much later, we find that we have passed the boundary line that separates the ancient from the mediæval architecture of India, in so far at least as plans are concerned (Woodcut No. 182). The circular forms of the Buddhists have entirely disappeared, and the cell has become the base of a square tower, as it remained ever afterwards. The nave of the chaitya has become a well defined mandapa or porch in front of, but distinct from, the cell, and these two features in an infinite variety of forms, and with various subordinate adjuncts, are the essential elements of the plans of the Jaina and Hindû temples of all the subsequent ages.