The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c16.s2.78

v2.c16.s2.78

On the façade of the *chaitya* at Kārle, which is nearly the same age as its rival at Koṇḍāṇe, are carved figures of dancers in twelve panels. It will not be possible, owing to limitations of space, to describe them all here, but four of them which most vividly exhibit grace of poise and agility of movement are studied below. The dancers appear in pairs of male and female figures. They are aborigines, as is shown by their costumes and ornaments. The male figures have narrow pieces of cloth wound round their heads like turbans or pugarees; their loin-cloths are also very narrow, but artistically draped, and the scarfs round the arms and shoulders of all the figures are tastefully arranged. The ornaments are heavy and solid but plentiful, matching the exuberant spirit of the dancers (Plate XXIV *a-b*).