Structural Temples of Gujarat

SR No.: 006728
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kantilal F Sompura
Publisher: Gujarat University Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 868
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 31 MB

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The Structural Temples of Gujarat in the architecture of southern India ) and a stone seat of the portico, with its sloping back-rest, (here is seen the beginning of Āsana which developed into ornamental feature in the entrance halls of many mediaeval temples. ) 2 2
In direct contrast with the architectural formation of the foregoing, but at the same time, illustrating another experimental stage in the development of the temple structure is the Durga temple at Aihole. 23 This example is the Brahmanical version of the Buddhist Caitya hall, adopted to suit the service of the former creed. The temple was probably erected during the 6th cent. and is an apsidal ended structure on a high and heavily moulded plinth or stereobate. At the topmost tier of its flat roof there is a short pyramidal tower, or Sikhara, which has been subsequently added. Among other notable features in the design of this temple is its peripteral exterior, or pteroma, a passage formed by the colonnade of peristylar Verandaḥ 2 4
Another, temple of the same kind is that of the Huchchimalligudi, a smaller and simplified form of the preceding for it has no apsidal end and is without a peristylar verandah. As with other examples at Aihole, to it has been added a śikhara of later date.25
The Jain temple of Meguti, bears an inscription recording its erection in 634 A D. Here advances in technique are noticeable. The quality of masonry is improved vastly and more delicacy is shown in the treatment of ornamentation 26
Badami (ancient Vātāpi ) contains several buildings of an early date, but what is interesting is a series of four pillared excavated halls in the scrap of a hill. Three of these are 22. IABH p. p. 64 23. IABH p. p. plts : xxxvi Fig. 2; XXXIII Fig. 4. also XXXVIII & XXXIX 24. IABH p. p. 64. 25. IABH p. p. 65 26. JABH p. p. p. 65