History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s9.4

v1.c19.s9.4

the floor, it will be easily understood how little effect such a building really produces.¹ They are, however, each of a single block of granite, and all carved more or less elaborately. A much finer portico stretches across the third court of the Jambukesvara temple from gopuram to gopuram; the pillars in it are much more widely spaced, and the central aisle is double that of those on the sides, and crosses the portico in the centre, making a transept; its height, too, is double that of the side aisles. It is a pleasing and graceful architectural design; the other is only an evidence of misapplied labour. The Seshagiri-râo Mantapam (T), to the south of the preceding, is the most elaborately carved hall in the temple. It is supported by pillars with rearing horses and other figures in front, similar to those in the Madurâ temple, and is probably of about the same age—or the middle of the 17th century. The Gopuram (B), on the east side of this court is 146½ feet in height, and is one of the finest in the temple.