Page:History of Indian and Eastern Architecture Vol 1.djvu/102

 BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE. BOOK I. building consists of a dome somewhat less than a hemisphere, 1 06 ft. in diameter, and 42 ft. in height. 1 On the top of the stupa is a flat space about 34 ft. in diameter, formerly surrounded by a stone railing, some parts of which were found still lying there ; and in the centre of this once stood a feature known to Indian archaeologists as a ' Tee.' 2 The woodcut (No. 15), from a rock-cut example at Ajanta, represents the usual form at this age. The lower part is adorned with the usual Bud- hist rail (to be described here- after), the upper by the con- ventional window pattern, two features which are uni- versal. It is crowned by a 15. -Tee 'cut in the rock on a Digaba at Ajanta. Hd of three slabs> an<j nQ doubt either was or simulated a relic casket. No tope, and no representation of a tope and we have hundreds are without this feature, and generally it is or was surmounted by one or more discs representing the umbrellas of state ; in modern times by as many as nine of these. The only ancient wooden one now known to exist is that in the cave at Karle (Woodcut No. 70), but the repre- sentations of them in stone and painting are literally thousands in number. The dome rests on a sloping base, 14 ft. in height by 121 ft. in diameter, having an offset on its summit about 6 ft. wide. 3 This, to judge from the representations of topes on the sculptures, must have been surrounded by a balustrade, and was ascended by a broad double ramp on one side. It was probably used for processions round the monument, which seem to have been among the most common Buddhist cere- monials. The centre of this great mound is quite solid, being composed of bricks laid in mud ; but the exterior is faced with dressed stones. Over these was laid a coating of cement nearly 4 inches in thickness, which was, no doubt, originally adorned either with painting or ornaments in low relief. 1 These views, plans, etc., are taken from a Memoir by Capt. J. D. Cunning- ham, ' Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal,' vol. xvi. (August, 1847), pp. 739-763- 2 This is an Anglicised form of the Burmese " Hti," by which this member is known ; in Sanskrit it is called harmikd. The lower part is called gala in Nepal the " neck," and the whole cMddmani "thecrestorcrestjewel.'' The umbrellas grouped over it were termed chhattrd- vali, and the shaft on which they are supported the yashti. Foucher, 'L'Art Greco-Bouddhique,' tome i. p. 97. 3 ' Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society,' 1902, pp. 29-44 5 an ^ Griin- wedel's ' Buddhist Art in India,' (English ed.), pp. 24-26.