The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c13.40

c13.40

The half-finished sculptured pillars and pilasters in front of the verandah and porch present the ancient motif of Vishnu's pillar, with the amalaka capital, the architectural use of which we have already traced back to the time of Asoka. For the bases, instead of Lakshmi's nectar-jar, the sculptors have used the symbolic lion-guardians—Dûrgâ's emblems—which usually stand detached in front of the entrances, as they do at Elephanta. The reason for this innovation was that the dimensions of the rock were not sufficient for carving them in their traditional places on each side of the steps.