Photo 212/7(1)

Genre: Architectural Photography

View of part of the facade and mandapa of the Ramachandra Temple, showing sculptured panels. Another copy of this print at Photo 1000 (3139). 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: '491 - Passing round the temple to the right, its northern façade is seen as represented in this view. On the left, a portion of the porch shown in 490 is seen, and also another entrance which exists on this side, and the carvings on its face. Entering the building by either of these doors, the whole interior is found beautifully carved. The effect is spoilt by its being so very low, but the four pillars of black polished granite and the whole roof are master-pieces of carving. The centre of the floor was formerly covered with an enormous slab of granite. This has been lifted by the Mussulmen in search of treasure, and still remains poised in the air as left by them. The flooring of the rest of the interior, composed of a large inner chamber, has also been broken up evidently in search of treasure. Here was formerly the sanctuary, and, as usually is the case, is the plainest part of the whole temple.'