The art and architecture of India - Buddhist, Hindu, Jain (Art Ebook)

SOUTH INDIAN BRONZES 333
in Hindu sanctuaries. The figures of dancers
interrupting the links of the chain remind us of
Chalukya sculpture [242 and 243], and the
beautifully wrought elephant recalls the characterization
of these beasts at Mamallapuram
[234 and 235]. Metal objects of this sort were
cast solid, according to the cire-perdue process.
A number of literary works of the Pallava and
Chalukya Periods refer to the art of bronze
casting, notably the Manasollasa of the Western
Chalukya king Somesvara (1122-38).
Another early example of metalwork in South
India is a large round bronze basin supported
by elephant caryatids, which was found in the
Kistna region [263]. This object is probably of
Pallava or early Chalukya date. The elephant as
262. Bronze temple lamp and chain
from the Jogesvari caves, Bombay.
Bombay, Prince of Wales Museum
263. Bronze basin from the Kistna region.
London, Victoria and Albert Museum
One of the earliest examples of metalwork
from the Period of the Hindu Dynasties is a
chain for a temple lamp found in the Jogesvari
caves (Bombay) [262]. 7 This object may be
dated in the eighth century, the period of the
Western Chalukyas. Such chains were used for
swinging lamps, like censers, at evening worship
a supporting member is familiar in the architecture
of Gandhara and on a monumental scale
on the base of the Kailasa temple at Ellura and
in the platform, or 'Elephant wall', supporting
the Ruvanveli dagaba at Anuradhapura. 8
Among the great works of minor art from the
Period of the Hindu Dynasties are the jewel