Picture Details
Sandalwood model of temple
Partner:
Victoria and Albert MuseumImage reference:
IM.321-1924Origin:
Mysore, IndiaArtist / Date:
Unknown, 1900 - 1923Donor / Date:
King George V and Queen MarySize:
H 800 x W 870 x D 560 mmDescription:
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This model appeared at the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley in 1924. The Maharaja of Mysore, who probably commissioned it as a diplomatic gift, had presented it to George V and Queen Mary in 1923. It is not the usual accurate copy of a particular building. Instead, it is a mixture of details loosely based on several Hindu temples at Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur, near Mysore, that were built during the medieval Hoysala dynasty. However, its shape resembles a casket and is quite different from that of a temple.
