Indian Sculpture c8.195

c8.195

The breadth of this summary modelling contains a concentrated vigour. It keeps in balance all parts and factors of the composition. Viewed against it, the figures in the contemporary reliefs from Māmallapuram (Figs. 71–74) appear playfully at ease in their actions, and the compositions there appear to be made of a lyrical or heroic but of a slighter substance. The affinities, on the other hand, with Dekkhanī reliefs of the sixth century are close (Fig. 66). Every detail now is imbued with breadth and heaviness, and while steeped in, or emerging from, it also commands silence.