Dehra Warra (Abbey 420 no.125; Archer VI, pl.24)

Details
Dehra Warra (Abbey 420 no.125; Archer VI, pl.24)
Viswakarmâ, Exterior View (Abbey 420 no.123; Archer VI, pl.22)
Viswakarmâ (Abbey 420 no.124; Archer VI, pl.23)
Dotali (Abbey 420 no. 122; Archer VI, pl.21)

hand-coloured aquatints, June 1803 [the second and third plates watermarked 'J.Whatman 1800'], thick paper light surface soiling to margins
P.480 x 650mm.; 485 x 650mm.; 485 x 650mm.; 485 x 655mm. (4)

Lot Essay

These four temples form part of the Ellora complex:
Dherwara, now known as Maharwada, is the largest of the single-storeyed temples and the southernmost of the Buddhist caves depicted here. It was formerly known as the "Outcasts' Quarter", for, as explains Thomas Daniell, "the brahmans...,under this term of pollution, endeavour to deter visitors from entering it, though the large cave is a very fine one".
"Viswakarma is considered by the Hindoos as the artist of the Gods". This cave, one of the most beautiful in Ellora, has a colossal statue of Buddha, flanked by two attendants.
Dotali, "the two-storeyed Cave" was found in 1876 to have an additional storey below, consisting of a verandah with a shrine and two cells.

More from Visions of India

View All
View All