Chandrasala with a Dancing Gana

Within the circular medallion, a dancing gana bends one leg beneath him while his raised arm and twisting torso convey a compact, contained movement. The rounded limbs and torso are modeled with enough depth to distinguish the body from the shallow field, while the turn of the pose gives the small figure a sense of physical energy.

The surrounding chandrasala consists of concentric bands of beading and finely carved foliate scrolls. Leaves and stems fill the narrow intervals between the bands, their continuous pattern following the horseshoe-shaped arch.

Derived from the arched window motifs of early Indian architecture, the chandrasala became a recurring element of North Indian temple façades during the Gupta Dynasty.