 The
most imposing of such work is undoubtedly inspired by architectural conceptions; such as
the old wooden temples of Gujarat and Kathiawar, the imposing wooden rathas or temple cars
of South India and the architectural carvings of the old palaces of Rajputana. The Brihat
Sanhita and works on the Shilpa Shastras give detailed instructions on woodcraft and the
making of furniture. Many handsome pieces of furniture, such as seats, thrones and
bedsteads of which there are many varieties are shown in early sculpture and painting. The
wood carving of Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu stand out for their characteristic
designs, richness of ornamentation, refinement and skill in execution.
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