The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c15.26

c15.26

The raising of sculpture from an accessory detail to the principal subject in design, or, in modern phraseology, from a decorative to a fine art, was an epoch-making event in Indian architecture. The sculptured images of the gods whom we see at Kârlê and Nâsik merely as onlookers, became the sacred symbols for which the shrines were built. The symbolism of the shrine, as regards plan and structure, had to be adapted to the particular type of image for which it was intended. And these considerations particularly affected the design of the roof. Indian temple builders never troubled themselves with pagan notions of beauty for beauty's sake. The skilful jugglery of lines and spaces which modern academicians teach as the art of building would have seemed to them childish play.