History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s5.46

v1.c19.s5.46

Though the temple of Mâlegitti Sivâlaya, outside the town of Bâdâmi is but small, it is a characteristic example of the early Dravidian style, and is probably one of the earliest, if not the only one, now existing in so complete preservation. On this account it seems deserving of representation (Plate VIII.). The storeyed character of the *sikhara* is well defined, its whole style is that of the Mâmallapuram raths, with a few sculptures in the panels, whilst the mandap is lighted by perforated windows on each side; and, as will be seen from the plan, Woodcut No. 207, it has a porch in front, facing east, supported on four very massive square pillars. The type of these latter indicates very distinctly that in age it is not far removed from the period when the caves were executed, whilst the similarity of pattern to those of the Virûpâksha temple at Pattadakal indicates a date about the 7th century—perhaps a century earlier than that of the great temple there.