Kesava Temple (1268AD), Somanathapura, Mysore

Stone carvings on the wall of The Keshava Temple

A larger image of Stone carvings on the wall of Kesava Temple (1268AD), Somanathapura, Mysore.

Basement Frieze: Animated riders top a band of elephants that rests upon the temple platform. Elephants are often found on the lowest course of the walls, as here, where they are considered to symbolically support the temple on their backs. The horsemen wielding swords and spears trample fallen warriors underfoot. Below, a convoy of elephants carries baskets and fruits. Almost every person and animal in this frieze, including the fallen warriors, is given an individualized attribute or posture.

Source

Relief of a horse-rider on the Keshava temple at Somnathpur, Karnataka, c. 1268

Photograph by Matthew Logelin Source

Hindu Indian shield in Armies of the Middle Ages, Volume 2 by Ian Heath, based on Stone carvings on the wall of Kesava Temple (1268AD), Somanathapura, Mysore

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