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) v6.c41.s25.120

v6.c41.s25.120

‘The total height of each is 22 m. 50 c. divided into three portions of almost equal size. (According to Coste the length of transverse limb of the façade at Naksh-i-Rustem is 18 m. 63 c., length of upper and lower limb 11 m. The height of tomb no. 10 at Persepolis is given at 24·50 c., middle portion, 17 m., length of upper division, 10.50 c.) The middle and longer compartment, in conjunction with the other two, forms what is called a Greek cross. The monument, properly so called, begins with the middle section, carved architecturally into four engaged columns and a lofty double recessed doorway, surmounted by an Egyptian gorge, and a row of dentels, so as to reproduce a palace façade. The upper portion of this doorway is solid rock, but the lower section is cut away, so as to provide an entrance to the vault excavated in the mass behind. The field contains a bas-relief of an essentially religious character : upon a stage the king is seen on a pedestal raised by four steps, in the act of worshipping. . . . Above, between the king and the altar, floats the image of Ahura-Mazda, borne on huge wings, behind which a solar disc is roughly suggested.’