A little bit of history before we proceed to the doodles.
Aihole- pronounced Eye-Ho-Lay, is a small nondescript looking town in the north of Karnataka. Nondescript only at first glance, because it is actually a major archeological site; with over a hundred and twenty stone and rock cut temples dating all the way back to the 4th century. Along with Badami and Pattadakal it became known as the cradle of temple architecture, of artwork in stone and techniques of construction. It was like a laboratory where various innovative techniques of architecture and sculpture were experimented with.
In other words, artisans came to Aihole to learn and practice their craft and in doing so they left behind a rich, fascinating legacy of temples, monuments and artifacts which provide a glimpse into what life could have been like all those centuries ago. The temples are beautifully designed, with exquisite carvings and intricate patterns-which is remarkable because it is all done in stone. There are imposing idols of deities like Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. There are also numerous smaller carvings and patterns along the walls, on the roofs and in little nooks and crannies. And it was these little carvings and designs that caught my fancy.
This place was like a laboratory, remember? For innovation and experimentation. Only, instead of chemicals and acids, the learners here tinkered around with implements and stone to come up with the most amazing designs and sculptures. They doodled, but in stone! Not for them the pencil and paper or iPads. What they had instead was skill, imagination and perseverance. I pictured them whittling away at stone to create a face or a pattern that was in the mind’s eye. Sometimes the result would have pleased them, at other times; not. Some of these doodles then found place of honour in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and some were used to decorate the walls outside. Or maybe placed out of sight at the top of the temple- visible only to a 21st century visitor with a camera on zoom!
There were many doodles- of animals, demons and humans, and of tiny figures like dwarfs. There were scenes from life as it was then and from mythology. Each one was unique and as Mr Spock would have said. “Fascinating”
There were some carvings of cavorting couples- enjoying a drink or two or just chilling. It was quite amusing how each time the guides who were showing us around; took pains to emphasize that those couples were ‘husband-wife’ and not just (tch..tch..) a man and a woman hanging out together.
So, here endeth the lesson on Doodle Art in stone, circa 4th, 5th and 6th centuries AD. More in the next post. Till then, rock on!
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