Studies in Indian Art c14.s5.5

c14.s5.5

The entire basement or the *Pīṭha* was subdivided into two portions, the lower one directly rising from the ground level called the *Jagatī-Pīṭha* and the one above it *Prāsāda-Pīṭha*. These consisted of various mouldings and bands of decoration of which each had a separate name and a definite measurement allotted in proportion to the total height of the building. The simpler form of basement is said to consist of several preliminary courses with a variety of mouldings above them known as *Aḍḍathara*, *Pushpakaṇṭha*, *Jāḍya Mukha*, *Kaṇi* and *Kayavālī* (Skt. *Kapotālī*). Above is a course of lion faces called *Grāsapaṭṭi*. A *Mahāpīṭha* is more elaborate having in addition five more courses (*Thara* or *Stara*) named in order *Gajathara* (Elephant band), *Aśvathara* (Horse band), *Simhathara* (Lion band), *Narathara* (Band of human figures) and *Hamsathara* (Geese band).