Images

A bronze relief plaque showing Zakutu (Nakia) and her son Assyrian king Esarhaddon. First half of the 7th century BCE. (Louvre Museum, Paris)

A coin depicting Diodotus I, Satrap of Bactria c. 285 – c. 239 BCE. (British Museum, London)

A vyala (yali), the decorative lion monster which decorates many Hindu temples. This example is from the Mahadeva temple, Khajuraho, India. 11th century CE.

The Somnathapura temple, Karnataka, India. The temple is a good example of the Vesara architectural style which mixed northern and southern styles (Nagara and Dravida). 13th century CE.

The vastu-purusa-mandala (symmetrical floor plan) of the Vishveshvur temple, India.

Talas (tiers) of the vimana (tower) of the Brihadishvara temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. c. 995-1025 CE.

The nata mandapa or dance hall of the 13th century CE Hindu Surya Sun temple at Konark, India.

The 7th century CE Bhima Ratha with its sala barrelled roof on the left and the Dharmaraja Ratha temple. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.

A diagram illustrating the principal features of a Hindu temple complex.

The Hindu Parasurameswar temple, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. 7th century CE.