Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c13.s2.15

c13.s2.15

It has been already remarked that there are no chaitya halls in this monastic retreat, but the example which more nearly corresponds to a temple, is the Rani Gumpha, probably executed about B C. 150 (Plate XXXI, Fig 1). This "abbey church" is a double storied production with its cells ranged around three sides of an open courtyard, the fourth side comprising the frontal approach. A broad terrace, projected from the upper story, was originally supported on structural pillars, either of wood or stone, and these formed the verandah of the ground floor. A stairway cut in the rock at the side gave access to this upper terrace, on one face of which there is a spacious throne, with arms and a foot rest, evidently the seat of honour of the abbot or other high dignitary. While the general arrangements of the cells indicate that most of them were for the accommodation of the monks, there are several supplementary chambers and recesses evidently devised for special purposes connected with the ritual, either as robing rooms or for the preparation of offerings. In addition there are rooms for storing the sacred vessels and vestments, with a place for the custodian or sacristan. (Plate XXXI, Fig. 1).