Page:The Rock-cut Temples of India.djvu/23

Introduction. was obtained to the choir through one or three doors with which it was pierced. Internally, over the entrance, is the part corresponding with the rood-loft, and over this is the great window or chancel arch, through which light is admitted to the building.

Fig. 3. The Rock-cut Temples of India Fig 3.jpg PLAN OF THE CHAITYA CAVE AT KARLI. The end, opposite the entrance, always terminates in an apse, the centre of which is occupied by the dagopa, or stone altar, a simulated tomb, containing, or supposed to contain, a relic of Buddha, or of some of his saints.

Fig. 4. The Rock-cut Temples of India Fig 4.jpg SECTION OF THE CHAITYA CAVE AT KARLI

The whole is always surrounded by an aisle or procession path, separated from the choir by a range of pillars; over that is generally a triforium belt, not pierced, but ornamented either by painting or sculpture. From this belt springs the semicircular roof In the oldest Chaityas, this was always ornamented with wooden ribs attached to the rock, and at Karli. woodcut Fig. 4, 17