The Colas c36.105

c36.105

Fig. 85. Śālabhanjikā (female door-keeper) in the Kampaharēśvara temple. Tribhuvanam, Tanjore District. This motif goes back to very early periods. It has been cleverly adapted to decorate the colossal monolithic pillars that support the huge towers over the main entrances of South Indian temples. The woman stands gracefully with her right foot and back resting on a tree behind, whose branch she holds in her hands. Her figure is a splendid example of the art of the period, and this is emphasised by the tasteful workmanship of the *koṇḍai*, the ornaments and drapery. Although the acquiline nose, the profusion of ornaments and the emphasis on the details show the beginnings of stylisation, yet in this case they tend to add grace to the figure.