Author: Krishna Deva
Publisher: Archaelogical Survey of India
Year: 2002
Language: English
Pages: 96
ISBN/UPC (if available): 818778010-X
Description
This is the fourth in the series of guidebooks being published by the Archaeological Survey of India to showcase the World Cultural Heritage Sites in India. It focuses on the temples of Khajuraho in central India, the cultural capital of the Chandella dynasty.
The Chandella rules were great patrons of art and architecture and, between the 10th and the 12the centuries, studded Khajuraho with some 85 temples, only 25 of which remain today. These temples are justly famed for their wealth of sculptural decoration. The whole pageant of life and its many pleasures is played out on its stone walls.
The temples that comprise the Western Group are the most visited and undoubted comprise the most beautiful temples at Khajuraho and form the core of the book. The temples of the Eastern and Southern Groups have also been dealt with in detail.
A comprehensive Practical Information section tells the visitor how to get to Khajuraho, what to de there, where to stay and where to eat.
Introduction
Art and Architecture
Sculpture
Temples of Khajuraho
Practical Information
This guidebook on the temples of Khajuraho, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, is the fourth in the World Heritage Series. Situated in the heart of the Bundelkhand region, Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandella dynasty and a centre of great artistic activity. It witnessed the building of a large number of magnificent temples between the 10the and the 12the centuries. Marked by lofty spires, each of these temples stands majestically on a high platform or jagati that adds height and dignity to the structures, and also provides an open ambulatory space around them.
Each temple is embellished with intricate carvings of gods and goddess, warriors, musicians, real and mythical animals, and, of course, the celestial nymphs. The sculptures are exquisitely proportioned and depict life in medieval times. The sun glinting off the fine-grained sandstone of these stone figures is, perhaps, one of the most spectacular sights ever seen.
Contents
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Art and Architecture
Sculpture
Temples of Khajuraho
Western Group
Eastern Group
Southern Group
New Discoveries
Kalinjar and Ajaygarh
Practical Information
Glossary
Index