Indian Sculpture c8.228

c8.228

On the right a two-storeyed building, with a figure looking out of the window in each storey, and with an open pavilion on the ground floor and one male figure seated there, has stepped pyramidal roofs supported by brackets, one separate roof of the pavilion and one of the second storey of the building. Outside the building, and on two levels, the upper a terrace-like projection slightly higher than the bottom of the pyramidal roof and apparently attached to the gate, are several larger sized male figures, all engaged in conversation or listening. To the left of the building is a gate, consisting of two massive towers (dvāra-aṭṭālaka) and capped by barrel-vaulted roofs.²²⁸ Two garlands with beads and tassels are fixed on to holders on the front and between the two roofs. The door reaches to the basis of the vaulted part. It consists of wooden panels, which are framed and iron bound. One of its wings is pushed open by a figure, and there it seems to stay for ever. This figure in the half-open door is a device which the mediæval craftsmen from Gujarāt to Orissā apply by itself, or else they insert it into compositions.