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The Golden Age of Buddhist Art: Gupta Period -- Architecture
| Title: | The Golden Age of Buddhist Art: Gupta Period -- Architecture | | Author: | Rowland, Benjamin | | Publication: | Marg | | Enumeration: | Vol. 9 Issue no. 2; March 1956, p. 73-78 | | Abstract: | Gupta architecture represents a final development of many earlier types. This is evident in the contribution of the rock-cut chaitya-hall and basilican plan in the Mahayana sanctuary of Cave XIX at Ajanta, which also reveals changes since Karle and Bhaja. In Cave XIX there is an elaboration of the stupa, and decoration of the nave and facade. The yaksha-dvarapalas on either side of the chaitya window and the arrangement of multiple Buddhas covering a wall surface are prototypes for the rock-cut sanctuaries of China of the Six Dynasties (220-589) and Tang (618-906) periods. In the Gupta period, the chaitya-hall becomes a free-standing temple of permanent materials, as seen at Chezarla (Guntur district), Ter, and Sanchi. The plan of the garbhagriha (sanctuary) of Temple 17 at Sanchi -- providing for a porch or mandapa in front -- is significant as it forms the nucleus of all later temple-building in India. The characteristics of Gupta temple architecture -- which are described with specific examples from Aihole (Durga, Hucchimalligudi, and Ladh Khan temples), Deogarh (Shiva temple), Bhitargaon (brick temple), and Bhumara (Shiva temple) -- are a combination of new concepts with traditional ones. Source of Abstract: Provided by Publisher | | Tools: |
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