Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c12.17

c12.17

At an early stage in the proceedings, however it is evident that a small chapel with cells attached was first cut near the site of the main hall in which two or three monks entrusted with the direction of the work could live and conduct their usual ritual. Such chapels may be seen in the monasteries at Bhaja and Nasik, each a perfect specimen in miniature, and undoubtedly the earliest of their group. At Nasik also one chamber (No. 14) appears to have been cut first of all in order to provide accommodation for a priestly "resident architect" or "clerk of works", so that he could always be present to supervise the excavation of the main hall above. Having outlined the frontage, the work of hewing this into shape was begun from the top, as it was the practice to commence with the upper portions so as to have the advantage of the rough rock below for footholds, thus dispensing with scaffolding. In the interior the same procedure was followed, the ceiling or roof being first cut and completely finished, the work being gradually carried downwards. To be sure that a correct alignment was obtained the artificers gauged their direction by means of a rough driftway, and then progressed by cutting deep furrows with a tool resembling a heavy pickaxe, after which the intervening ridges were knocked out, the surfaces being dressed with a broad-edged chisel.