The Age of the Imperial Guptas c8.40

c8.40

Out of the two early Gupta temples, the one at Nachna Kuthara was in a better state of preservation and from its analogy we can guess that the path of circumambulation at Bhumra also was devoid of detailed ornamentation in the interior. The exterior in this case also may have been ornamented and the slabs discovered during the excavations, consisting of sunkel panels divided by pilasters, with figures of *gaṇas* or goblins alternately, may have formed the exterior decoration.⁵ The very great number of ornamental sculptures discovered during the excavation of the temple at Bhumra proves that the *Maṇḍapa* at that place was much more elaborately decorated than the existing porch at Nachna Kuthara. This *Maṇḍapa* possessed at least one finely decorated gateway.