Page:History of Indian and Eastern Architecture Vol 1.djvu/151

 CHAP. IV. RAIL AT SANCHI. 117 which were still standing twenty years ago, when the upper two beams were also pieced together and replaced. It is only about half the size of those of the great tope, measuring about 17 ft. to the top of the upper beam, and 13 ft. across its lower beam. It is apparently somewhat more modern than the great gateways, and its sculptures may have re- ference to the acts of vSariputra and Mogga- lana, whose relics, as above mentioned, were deposited in it. This tope was only 40 ft. in diameter, which is about the same dimen- sion as No. 2 Tope, con- taining the relics of some of the apostles who took part in the third convocation under Asoka., and afterwards in the diffusion of the Buddhist religion in the countries bordering on India. As above pointed out, the rails at Bodh- Gaya and Bharaut afford a similar picture of Buddhism at a time perhaps a century earlier. The difference is not striking, but on a close examination it is evident that the art, if not also the morals, had degener- ated during the interval. There is a precision and a sharpness about the Bharaut sculptures which is not found here, and drinking and Bas-relief on left-hand Pillar, Northern Gateway, Ornament on right-hand Pillar, Northern Gateway.