The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c11.35

c11.35

Another motif which is used both structurally and decoratively in Indian art is a combination of the fruits of *Nelumbium* and *Nymphæa*. This was applied to the domestic water-vessel, as in fig. 25, and also to the capitals of pillars for producing the form used at Elephanta and Ajantâ, called by Fergusson "cushion-shaped" (fig. 26). It may be noted that an exaggeration of the torus to which either side of it. Behind the throne is the standard, the shaft built up of six fruits of the blue or white water-lily combined with mythical animals and figures. Five pairs of mounted figures, three pairs on lions and two on horseback, are ranged on either side of the shaft. They are probably the ten Visva-devas, or the ten chief powers controlling the forces of the universe. Above these deities, on either side of the shaft, a half-opened water-lily growing from it affords foothold to a female dancer, who, like the dancing Siva, probably symbolises the cosmic rhythm.¹