Page:The Rock-cut Temples of India.djvu/87



HE form of the pillars of the verandah are square, divided by three flat bands forming compartments which are fluted exactly as is seen at the old Louvre or Tuileries, and other examples of Renaissance, but above this they slope inwards in a manner peculiar to Indian architecture. This form was adopted by the Hindoos in order that the abacus of the capital should not extend beyond the diameter of the shaft. In other words it was a device by which they obtained a pillar with a well marked capital out of a straight lined block of stone, with the least waste of material. As will be seen in the view, the two pillars at the end of the verandah are prepared to be so adorned.

The inner wall is arranged in a similar manner to that of all the Viharas here, but is more than usually plain, though this may arise from its being unfinished, or from its having been covered with chunam, and painted, but these adornments have perished, as is the case in almost all the verandahs at Ajunta. 15