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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personal visit. The survey includes the general architectural description of the individual temples, arranged in chronological sequence. It also includes as stated above, an account of important extinct temples known from epigraphic and literary sources,
The survey of the structural temples is followed by a detailed examination of the general architectural features of the different component parts of temples surveyed. The comparative study of the general architectural form of the temples of the different periods reveals, (i) an early phase characterised by small shrines with stepped pyramidal superstructures, (ii) a gradual transition to the temple complex with a curvilinear spire over the shrine, (iii) the full-fledged Caulukyan form of temple architecture in Gujarat and (iv) a sort of deterioration in the general scheme and workmanship in the post-Caulukyan period.
Along with the description of the general features of the different component parts of the temple, it is also attempted to compare the features with those recommended in the early canonical works on temple-architecture concerned, with a view to identify if possible the architectural canons discerned in those temples.
Appendix ‘A’ which gives a description of some temples either unnoticed hitherto or noticed vaguelly is mostly based on the results of my personal visit of these monuments.
Some scholars have pointed certain architectural drawbacks in the Caulukyan form of temples.
Appendix 'B' is devoted to the pros and cons of this problem.
The glossary of technical terms concerned includes references to some current Gujarati terms corresponding to those given in the canonical works in Sanskrit.
The work is appended with several illustrations including plans and photographs of temples and their component parts.