Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c26.21

c26.21

The basement of the other building, the Throne Platform, presumably intended for private audiences, as in the previous example, is in three diminishing stages, each square in plan, the side of the lowest being 132 feet and the uppermost 78 feet, access to the latter being obtained by stairways with the usual elephant decorated side-walls. There is even less evidence as to the type of pavilion which surmounted this broad expanse of masonry, but if it was as distinctive in style as the upper of the three stages, the one on which it took its stand, it must indeed have been a work of surpassing elegance. This highest stage of the platform is in marked contrast to the two below, as these are merely plain masonry plinths, their part in the scheme being to raise the entire composition to a considerable height, the value of such a procedure in giving additional dignity to the whole being well understood by the builders. It is interesting to note however that for the edification of those lowly ones who were not admitted into the special audiences, the vertical retaining walls of both these lower platforms were converted into picture galleries by means of bands of figures and animals carved in bas-relief and of a most entertaining description. As a foil to this broad effect the uppermost stage was subjected to an entirely different treatment to prepare the eye for the noble superstructure it supported. Its horizontality is emphasised by a series of boldly moulded courses, sharply projected, and fashioned out of lengths of stone like huge beams, carved and placed in position with a skill and precision showing long practice. As an effort at decoration of a purely architectural order this platform is a singularly effective production, in its handling not unlike some of the later workmanship of the Gothic style in Europe.