History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c25.s2.8

v2.c25.s2.8

Attached to the Jagamohan of this temple is a Nâta-mandir, or dancing-hall, whose date is, traditionally assigned to about the year 1100: but this is perhaps too early, as there are inscriptions of the 12th and 13th centuries on the doorway of the temple porch, and they are probably earlier than the Nâta-mandir. But even then it enables us to measure the extent of this decay with some degree of certainty. It is elegant, of course, for art had not yet perished among the Hindûs, but it differs from the style of the porch to which it is attached more than the leanest example of Tudor art differs from the vigour and grace of the buildings of the early Edwards. All that power of expression is gone which enabled the early architects to make small things look gigantic from the exuberance of labour bestowed upon them. A glance at the Nâta-mandir is sufficient for the mastery of its details. A week's study of the Jagamohan would every hour reveal new beauties.