Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c13.s2.6

c13.s2.6

The single storied type of Hinayana vihara in its most decorative form may be seen in a series of three examples at Nasik, particularly in the treatment of their exteriors (Plate XXIX). Judging by the style of their design and workmanship, supported by inscriptional evidence, they appear to have been executed in the first century A. D. According to their inscriptions they have also been named, Gautamiputra (No 3), Nahapana (No. 8), and Sri Yajna (No. 15), Nahapana having been the first to be excavated, followed shortly afterwards by the two others. All have columned porticos and large central halls without pillars, out of which open the usual range of cells containing in most instances stone beds. In their general appearance the porticos of these three viharas are much alike, but the variations in the details are notable, particularly in the design of the pillars. The series of four, with a half pillar at each end, which form the Nahapana facade, are almost exact copies of those in the interior of the Ganesh Lena chaitya hall at Junnar, both of which in their turn having been derived from the portico pillars at Bedsa, every detail, from the lotus-base on the stepped pedestal below to the animal groups on the abacus above, being the same