[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942) › c19.27 # Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c19.27 Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c19.27 - **Language:** English ### [c19.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.27) The second, and presumably slightly later sub-group of Buddhist excavations at Ellora, consisting of Nos. 6 to 12, is notable for the extent and size of the monasteries, and the character of its chaitya hall Two of the monasteries are by far the largest of their kind, as they are the only examples in three stories, and rise to a height of nearly 50 feet, with ample courtyards in front. Of these, No. 12, known as Tin Thal, or "Three Stories" is the most striking, and also the most commodious, as it has sufficient cells to lodge at least forty priests, while its assembly halls would provide, at the same time, room for congregations of many times that number. This capacious hostel and abbey combined is entered through a rock-cut gateway, which opens on to a quadrangle 108 feet wide, and 60 feet deep at its centre opposite the entrance, on the far side of which the facade rises in three equal tiers, each story being indicated externally by a verandah on eight square piers. The plain appearance of the exterior, with its bare entrance yard, is unusual, the whole being practically devoid of any vestige of ornament, recalling that of a severely utilitarian tenement house. As a contrast to this austere character of the facade, on entering the monastery it will be found that the interior of each hall is enriched with considerable sculpture, and interest in the production as a whole revives when it is found that each story is differently treated and each is of no little aesthetic and architectural merit. Beginning with the ground floor, access is obtained through a pillared verandah, 112 feet across and 43 feet deep, divided transversely into three aisles by means of three rows of columns of eight each, making 24 pillars in all. Extending into the rock at right angles to the verandah, is another pillared hall 35 feet across and 44 feet deep having three aisles of three pillars each. At the far end of this vestibule-hall is the shrine-chamber, a cella 23 feet across and 15 feet deep, containing a seated image of the Buddha, with other images in relief on the walls. Doorways in the sides of these halls lead to small square cells some twelve in number. In one of the cells on the right side, facing the facade, is a staircase for ascending to the floor above, or first story. - [Previous: c19.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.26) - [Next: c19.28](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.28) - [Up: c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19) ## Linked texts (1) - [Tin Thal](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.tin-thal) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c19.27) · Pramāṇa