Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v1.c6.s9.63

v1.c6.s9.63

KAPOTA—A section of circular moulding made in the form of a pigeon’s head, from which it takes it name. It is a crowning member of bases, pedestals and entablatures. Compare the lists of mouldings, from the *Māna āra*, given under ‘Upapīṭha’ (where ‘Kapota’ occurs eight times), ‘Adhishṭhāna’ (fifteen times), and ‘Prastara’ (five times) and also see Gwilt (*Encycl. of Arch.* art. 2532, 2555, pp. 806, 813-814). When employed in the entablature, it serves the purpose of a spout in the shape of a pigeon’s beak to throw off water falling on the cornice. In this office it resembles, in some measure, the corona having a broad vertical face and with its soffit or under portion recessed so as to form a drip which prevents water running down the building. Its synonyms are: *vaktra-hasta* (face supported by hand), *lupā*(pent roof), *gopānaka*(beam), and *chandra* (the moon).