[Y-Indology] Amalaka

[Guest guest]

--- ymalaiya <ymalaiya wrote:

> I was wondering if there is some good discussion on

> evolution of the

> amalaka (which looks like a ribbed disc) in a

> temple.

>

 

I have no information if such a study of diachronic

morphology of temple architecture exists. M.A. Dhaky's

"The genesis and development of Maaru-Gurjara temple

architecture" [in Pramod Chandra's "Studies in Indian

Temple Architecture",1975, New Delhi, Indian Institute

of American Studies.] may be of some help with regards

to the evolution of the shiikhara.

 

 

> When did amalaka first appear?

 

According to J.C. Harle "The Art and Architecture of

the Indian Subcontinent"[1986, Penguin Books],

aamalaka as an architectural feature appears in the

caityas of rock-cut architecture [bhedsa, Caitya Hall,

50-30 BC]. It appears next in the cave architecture of

Hathi Gumpha, which carries a prasasti of King

Kharavela,an ancient Jain king [30 BC?].

 

>What is its structural significance?

 

Engineering-wise, no idea. In the shilpa shastras, the

aamalaka is described as the head of the purusha that

is the temple. It holds everything in the structure

together.

 

> In some early structures like the 7th century

> Galaganatha temple at

> Pattadakal show a somewhat spherical amalaka that

> indeed looks like

> the amalaka fruit.

>

 

The Parashuraameshvara temple at Bhubaneshwar

(Orissa),late fifth-early sixth century has a more

rounded aamalaka, whereas the Vaitala temple at

Bhubaneshwar, the aamalaka looks more like a pumpkin

['v(b)aitalu' in Oriya means pumpkin, hence the name].

Actually aamalaka-pumpkin looks more like a miniature

caitya.

 

Cheers.

Jogesh Panda