Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c12.42

c12.42

Above the rich zone of chiaroscuro produced by this frieze of figures rises the high arched vault of the roof, the mystery of its shadowed space vaguely defined by the narrow projecting ribs or wind-braces, not carved out of the rock, but fashioned out of separate pieces of wood attached to the surface by means of plugs or socketed into grooves. These braces are wide flat planks with a curved outline, approximating the shape of an inverted ship's hull, the grain of the wood being usually continuous in the curve as in the mediaeval roofs of Europe, while at the apsidal end they converge to a centre as do the ribs of a Gothic vault. Remains of coloured decoration on the wooden accessories imply that at one time much of the interior was painted. Under the semi-dome of the apse is the stupa, a plain yet dignified composition, its cylindrical base in two diminishing tiers, the sole embellishment being two bands of railing in imitation of balustrades, clearly suggested by the custom of an upper and lower processional path around this symbol as at Sanchi. The body, a plain hemisphere, is surmounted by a massive *harmika*, or finial, decorated with a rail pattern in low relief, and high up over the whole spreads a large wooden umbrella carved in the pattern of a lotus.