Photo 212/1(7)

Genre: Architectural Photography

Another view of carved pillars of rearing horses and horsemen in the Sheshagirirayar Mandapa of the Ranganatha Temple. Lyon's 'Notes to accompany a series of photographs prepared to illustrate the ancient architecture of southern India' (Marion and Co., London, 1870), edited by James Fergusson, gives the following description of this photograph: '256 - This view represents other carved Pillars of the same portico as shown in 255 [ie plate 6 of this volume]. It may here be explained that each of these groups is one slab of grey granite about 20 feet high, out of which the whole of the horses, riders, figures, etc., are carved. The roof is formed of single slabs, often of great length and considerable thickness, extending from pillar to pillar over the whole area of the choultry or porch, and the under side of them is frequently carved with great richness. Whatever may be thought of the taste of these groups, they are marvellous exhibitions of patient, skilled labour devoted to a well understood aim.' Another copy at Photo 1000/29(2906).