Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c8.12

c8.12

A house was raised on a foundation pillar of big size, either one or more according to needs (*Skambha* and *Upamit*). It was the practice to support the roof on three rows of pillars (त्रयः स्कम्भासः स्कभितासः, RV. I. 34. 2.). On these upright pillars leaning rafters were placed as props (*Pratimit*). On the upright pillars in the middle which probably were higher than the others, was placed a strong cross-beam called *Parimit*, same as *Prāg-vaṃśa* of later literature. This structure was covered with bamboos (*Vaṃśa*) and held together by means of certain binding ropes and fastening devices. The general name for them was *Naddha*.