Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c15.s2.t2.4

c15.s2.t2.4

Two types of Stūpas may be distinguished at Nagarjunikonda, viz. plain and profusely decorated. This is shown by the representations on the Stūpa-paṭṭas and by the actual remains. The first one was faced with stucco work (sudhākarma), but gradually the conception of beautifying the Stūpa with several friezes of carved slabs developed. This was conceived as a śilāmaya-kañchuka or lithic robe enveloping the Stūpa, also spoken of as a deva-dūshya or divine garment (Mahāvaṃsa, 33.23, 25) owing to which the Stūpa was given the new name of Dussa-thūpa (Skt. Dūshya-stūpa, Mahāvaṃsa, 31.11). Its construction was naturally regarded as a miracle (riddhi). In the plain type the upper part of the dome is shown encircled by a festoon-ornament, presumably executed in plaster. The drum and āyaka-platforms are ornamented with the vedikā design and a few Jātaka scenes.