A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c21.81

c21.81

‘On the square platform thus formed stands the cupola, the inward curve of its neck producing a pleasing break in the otherwise rigid outlines of the composition, while the bulbous dome poised like a light but substantial globe is a fitting finish to its soaring character.’ The lowest vertical portion is divided into two storeys by a massive cornice, the only striking horizontal feature of the *vimāna*. The walls above and below this cornice are adorned with ranges of pilasters combined with several ornamental devices and dividing the wall-space into a number of elegantly proportioned compartments. The middle of each compartment is occupied by a niche containing a sculptured figure-subject of high quality. In the tapering section the horizontal lines of the diminishing tiers intersect vertical disposition of the ornamental shrines and thus produce an ‘architectural texture of great beauty’. Lastly, the rounded cupola with its winged niches on all four sides relieves ‘the severity of the outline just where this is required’.