Page:History of Indian and Eastern Architecture Vol 2.djvu/59

 CHAP. III. MOUNT ABU. 37 though still as elaborate as good taste would allow in any purely architectural object. Being one of the oldest as well as one of the most complete examples of a Jaina temple, its peculi- arities form a convenient introduction to the style, and among other things serve to illustrate how complete and perfect it had already become when we first meet with it in India. The annexed plan (Woodcut No. 283) will explain the general arrangements of the temple of Vimala, which, as will be observed, are similar to some we have already met, though of course varying consider- ably in extent and detail. The entrance is through a domed portico, facing which is a square build- ing supported by six pillars, and containing ten statues of elephants, each a single block of white marble, about 4 ft. high. On each of them was seated a figure on a rich hauda behind the driver. 1 These repre- sented Vimala and his family in procession to the temple ; but the figures have been de- stroyed by Moslim f 283. Temple of Vimala, Mount Abft. (From a Plan by Mr. H. Cousens.) Scale 50 ft. to i in. zealots,and an equestrian statue of Vimala has been placed in the doorway, made of stucco and painted in a style not deserving notice. Behind it, in the centre, is a Samosaran of three tiers as usual. The principal object here, as elsewhere, is a cell lighted 1 The names of nine of the riders are carved on their seats, six dated in A.D. 1149 and three in 1180,