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 but the ornamentation has been increased. The stūpa is an imposing conception, overlaid with a wealth of carving; yet it lacks the graceful proportions and rhythmic effect of the earlier type. 44
At Elora twelve rock-cut halls belonging to the Buddhist creed were produced. The series may be resolved into two sub-groups, Nos. 1 to 5, and a group slightly later in date consisting of Nos. 6 to 12. Each sub-group comprises a prayerhall and its attached monastaries. Of the first group No. 5 is the largest and most remarkble. It measures 35.8 ms. deep by 17.8 ms. wide, exclusive of two fair sized side recesses; and is divided into a nave and two aisles by 24 cushion' pillars in two rows. In addition it has three cells opening out of its sides. At the far end is a transverse vestibule, beyond which is a square cella containing a seated figure of the Buddha with his attendants.45 The most notable production of the whole Buddhist series at Elora, is the caitya gļiha No. 10 datable to 7th cent. commonly known as the Viśvakarmā or Lord of the Arts, It resembles in many respects the two almost contemporary Mahāyāna, Caitya grihas at Ajantã previously described, although it is appreciably larger. It is not quite so richly carved as Ajantā example, but its interior is planned and decorated on much the same general principles. (The stūpa contains a seated figure of the Lord Buddha'. 46 This phase (c. A. D. 450-642 A, D.) of the rock-cut architecture of western India is characterised by a practical elimination of timber constructions or imitations thereof and by the introduiction of the Buddha statuary as a dominent feature of the architectural design. But, on the whole, in the architectural sense, it displays no marked departure from that of the early period. The plan of the Caitya-hall remained essentially identical with that of the previous phase. This is exemplified by Caitya-griha:
44. IABHI p, 71 pit. XLll Fig. 1 opp. p. 69 45. JABH p. p. 72. 46. IABH pp 73