The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c19.48

c19.48

Mr. Cousens' drawing of the south elevation (fig. 57) represents the plinth of the Virûpâksha temple after excavations have been made. Possibly these have not yet been carried down to the original ground level, for the famous sculptured Kailâsa temple at Ellora, which is almost a duplicate of the Pattadakal temple, has a lower plinth with a high dado of magnificently sculptured elephants in high relief (Pl. LXVIA), which adds greatly to the grandeur of the design. The Pattadakal original of the Kailâsa temple has not yet received the attention due to it as one of the master-works of the classic period of Indian architecture. Fergusson's meagre description does scanty justice to it.