Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/689

 INDIAN ARCHITECTURE. 63I (2.) The pointed Jaina dome seldom exceeds 30 feet in diameter. It is invariably formed in horizontal courses (compare the Treasury of xtreus at Mycenae, No. 15). Such domes, if of any size, are of necessity pointed or conical in section (No. 266 D, e), so that a single stone can crown the top. When placed on the octagonal plan as indicated above, the triangular portions (or pendentives from the octagon to the circle) are formed by a circular stone cornice supported at the re-entering angles by projections from the capitals (No. 270). The bearing of the architrave was apparently lessened by the use of bracket capitals and struts, although it is doubtful if these have any constructive value (Nos. 266 b and 270). The decoration of such domes followed the horizontal lines of the construction, the ornament being arranged in concentric rings, the central or top stone forming a pendant. Hindu. — -Dravidian examples have the roof covering the vimana of the storied pyramidal type (No. 276), normally carried to a considerable height and carved with representations of itself along each well-defined story. Chalukyan examples have the towers either of the storied Dravidian type, following the curvilinear outline of the Northern Hindu examples, or form a straight-sided cone arranged in steps. E. Columns. — Indian columns are most characteristic features, and are unlike those in any other style. No systems of simple well-known types existed, as in Greece or Rome (No. 38). The origin of their form is unknown, but it seems certain that they come of a wooden prototype. The shaft is as much ornamented as the capital and base (No. 266 l). The bracket capital (No. 266) is a characteristic Indian feature taking a variety of forms. Buddhist columns are often octagonal on plan (No. 267). In the great rock-cut Chaityas at Karli, Bedsa and elsewhere, they are stumpy, closely set together, thus screening the wall behind, which, of course, had no openings. They thus gave the necessary light and shade to the interior, as did the columns to the exterior of a windowless Greek temple. The numerous forms of capitals, resembling in certain instances the Assyrian and Persepolitan examples, are bewildering. Sculptured lions, horses, or elephants, supporting men, women, and the " chakra " or Buddhist wheel occur, as at Bedsa. In others, as at Karli, torus or Dutch cheese- like mouldings ornamented with palm leaves occur under a capital of a course Roman-Doric type (No. 269). In North-west India, in the Gandhara district, Greek or Byzantine influence produced capitals with delicate acanthus- leaf carvings. Jaina. — Columns are a special feature and exhibit great variety of design. The capitals are of the " bracket " type, probably