History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c25.s8.60

v2.c25.s8.60

Leaving these fragments, one of the oldest, and certainly one of the most perfect, in Central India is the desecrated temple at Baroli, situated in a wild and romantic spot not far from the falls of the Chambal, whose distant roar in the still night is the only sound that breaks the silence of the solitude around them The principal temple, represented in the Woodcut No. 336, may probably, pending a more precise determination, be ascribed to the 9th or 10th century, and is one of the few of that age now known; it was originally dedicated to Siva. Its general outline is identical with that of the contemporary Orissan temples. But instead of the astylar enclosed porch, or mandapa, it has a pillared portico of great elegance, whose roof reaches half-way up the temple, and is sculptured with a richness and complexity of design almost unrivalled, even in those days of patient prodigality of labour. It will be observed in the plan (Woodcut No. 337) that the dimensions are remarkably small, and the temple is only 58 ft. high, so that its merit consists entirely in its shape and proportions, and in the elegance and profusion of the ornament that covers it.