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) v7.c47.1147

v7.c47.1147

**KAPOTA**—A pigeon, 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 *Mānasāra*, given under UPAPĪṬHA (where Kapota occurs eight times), ADHIṢṬHĀNA (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, wherefrom it takcs its shape), *lupā* (pent-roof), *gopānaka* (beam), and *chandra* (the moon). (Also *see M.*, XVI, 18–20.)