DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.2371#0134
112
EASTERN CAVES.
fact, that the rock-cut temples at Mahavallipur are the earliest
existing examples of the style, and must be content to base our
reasoning, for the present at least, upon that assumption.
The rock-cut remains at Mahavallipur may be divided into three
very distinct classes. First there are nine Eaths or Eathas,1 small
isolated shrines or temples each cut out of a single block or boulder
of granite.
Second, there are thirteen or fourteen caves excavated in a rocky
ridge of very irregular shape, running north and south parallel with
the shore, at a distance of half-a-mile inland, and two more at a place
called Saluvankuppam about two miles further north.
Third, there are two great bas-reliefs,2 one wholly of animals,
and a number of statues of elephants, lions, bulls, and monkeys,
each carved out of separate blocks.
Xo. 25. General "View of the Rathas Mahavallipur, from a sketch by the Author.
1 Hatha, from a root meaning " to move," " to run," is the Sanskrit word &r a
wheeled vehicle, chariot, or car of a god. The Tamil word is Ter.
... a
2 Perhaps the sculpture in the Krishna Mantapan ought to he enumerated as a thir
bas-relief, but it is under the cover of a porch, and there are no signs of any sacli
being intended to cover the great bas-relief known as Arjuna's penance.
EASTERN CAVES.
fact, that the rock-cut temples at Mahavallipur are the earliest
existing examples of the style, and must be content to base our
reasoning, for the present at least, upon that assumption.
The rock-cut remains at Mahavallipur may be divided into three
very distinct classes. First there are nine Eaths or Eathas,1 small
isolated shrines or temples each cut out of a single block or boulder
of granite.
Second, there are thirteen or fourteen caves excavated in a rocky
ridge of very irregular shape, running north and south parallel with
the shore, at a distance of half-a-mile inland, and two more at a place
called Saluvankuppam about two miles further north.
Third, there are two great bas-reliefs,2 one wholly of animals,
and a number of statues of elephants, lions, bulls, and monkeys,
each carved out of separate blocks.
Xo. 25. General "View of the Rathas Mahavallipur, from a sketch by the Author.
1 Hatha, from a root meaning " to move," " to run," is the Sanskrit word &r a
wheeled vehicle, chariot, or car of a god. The Tamil word is Ter.
... a
2 Perhaps the sculpture in the Krishna Mantapan ought to he enumerated as a thir
bas-relief, but it is under the cover of a porch, and there are no signs of any sacli
being intended to cover the great bas-relief known as Arjuna's penance.