The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c12.40

c12.40

Silpa-sâstras, they are “Vishnu-necked.”¹ The bases are Lakshmi’s jars of plenty. Instead of the lions which crown the capitals of the pillars outside, each Vedic altar here is a throne for two pairs of Devas mounted upon kneeling elephants (Pl. XX). They are remarkable for proving what a high degree of excellence Indian sculpture had reached before the enervating Græco-Roman influence manifested itself in Indian Buddhist architecture. There is not much in the whole range of Gandhâran art to be placed in the same class with this and some of the Sânchî sculptures for spontaneity and freedom in design, fine expression, and bold technique.