Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c33.12

c33.12

interior which is one large central chamber, contained within the ranges of open galleries forming the outside facades. In other words it consists of one tall compartment only, around which project the loggias, one above the other, which comprise the triple stories of its external elevation. The central hall, however, which corresponds in some respects to the "crossing" of a Gothic church as it is where the nave and transepts meet, was over thirty feet in diameter, a wide space to be bridged by the only method then employed by the Indian masons, and, moreover, above this it was necessary to support the solid stone courses of the roof. The problem was solved by introducing into the interior four massive piers, and on these large but shapely supports the superincumbent masonry was imposed. But such an expedient naturally destroys any effect of open spaces, and makes the interior somewhat congested.