Introduction by S.P. Verma

For a building to become architecture, it must be thematically essentialized through a process of ornamentation. Oramentation is that component of the art product which is added, or worked into it, for purpose of embellishment. In general, however, ?ornamentation? refers to motifs and themes used in art objects, buildings, or any surface without being essential to structure and serviceability. In Architecture, it often occurs on entablatures, columns, and the tops of buildings and around entryways and windows. The present volume contains a selection of impressive ornamentation in Indian architecture.