[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) › c23.7 # Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c23.7 Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c23.7 - **Language:** English ### [c23.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c23.7) It will be seen from the above that the rock architecture of the first phase takes two forms, referred to as \*mandapas\*, and \*rathas\*. In this connection, a mandapa is an excavation, while a ratha is a monolith. The former is an open pavilion, and, as excavated in the rock, takes the shape of a simple columned hall with one or more cellas in the back wall. A ratha is in reality a car or chariot, provided by the temple authorities for the conveyance of the image of the deity during processions. But here, by common usage, it refers to a series of monolithic shrines, which are exact copies in granite of certain structural prototypes. - [Previous: c23.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c23.6) - [Next: c23.8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c23.8) - [Up: c23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c23) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c23.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c23.7) · Pramāṇa