Wednesday, July 7, 2010

General view of Someshvara Temple, Gadag--Photographer: Cousens, Henry Medium: Photographic print Date: 1885

General view of Someshvara Temple, Gadag

General view of Someshvara Temple, Gadag


General view of Someshvara Temple, Gadag

Photograph of the Someshvara Temple, Gadag taken by Henry Cousens in the 1880s. The temple was abandoned by the time this photograph was taken. Cunningham states in his 'List of the Antiquarian Remains in the Bombay Presidency' : ''The temple of Somesvara in the middle of the town,
 now used as a school room?
, is a typical example of a fully decorated Chalukyan temple at its best. With the exception of the finial of the shikara, the roof of the hall, and the front or east porch, it is entire in all its parts. The exterior is lavishly carved with ornament from base to summit. The plan of the shrine is star-shaped externally.'' Carved figures surround the doorways and foiliation decorates the many sculptural panels that adorn the temple.

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