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.c47.635
Mānasāra Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Mānasāra-Śilpaśāstra; III. Mānasāra on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Mānasāra: Translation; V. Architecture of Mānasāra: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v7.c47.635
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v7.c47.635
ĀMALAKA (*cf.* AMALAŚITA and AMALASĀRA)—A massive circular stone supporting a vase known as *kalaśa*. It figures as the crowning member of śikhara (tower), as the crown of the simulated roofs, and as the cushion-shaped portion of the capital of massive columns (of Aśoka and at Elephanta). In śikhara it has a structural purpose to serve, while in other places it is a mere ornament. It has been frequently referred to by Fergusson, Burgess, Hanell, Coomaraswamy and their followers, but rarely occurs in the *Śilpa-śāstras* or other Sanskrit texts. The following line has been quoted by some writer from some text of the Mayamata *Śilpa-śāstra* :