Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c12.23

c12.23

In the interior of the hall at Bhaja, woodwork was also freely applied, the closely ranked roof ribs as well as the finial (*harmika*) of the stupa with its umbrella being all originally of this material. But even with these additions it must have had a definitely austere appearance, although its proportions are good. It measures 55 feet long and 26 feet across, the side aisles being 3½ feet wide. The pronounced slope of the pillars which are five inches out of the perpendicular in a total height of 11 feet produces an effect which is not altogether pleasing, but the high stilted vault above, 29 feet from the floor level, is a fine piece of work and to some extent compensates for the unusual slanting formation of the colonnade. As to the stupa this central feature in its present condition is rather a plain conception in two simple parts consisting of a cylindrical base supporting a tall domical body with a “railing” finial. It is more than probable however that the stupa, together with most of the surfaces of the hall itself, were freely decorated with wooden additions, plaster reliefs, and figure subjects in coloured fresco.