Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c38.17

c38.17

Of the other movements in this region, that referred to as the Hindu-Buddhist development which produced the great monastic settlements in the Buddhist holy land towards the end of the first millennium, this also extended its influence into Bengal. For at Paharpur in the Rajshahi District excavations have revealed the remains of a monumental edifice of such stupendous proportions, that although now a mound of ruins, it appears to have been the largest and most important of its kind Founded by the Pala ruler Dharmapala towards the end of the eighth century, it was known as the Great Vihara or Monastery of Dharmapala. Constructed very largely of brick, some idea of the plan and arrangements may be gained from the inset on Plate CLIII, where it will be seen that on the ground it took the form of a cross measuring 361 ft by 318 ft., and it is calculated that it attained a height of well over one hundred feet. Its elevation shows that it rose up into terraces with the central core of the building resolving itself into a square cell en-shrining an image or symbol of exceptional sanctity. The approach was by a stairway on the northern side leading to a corridor carried round the entire structure and communi-cating with four supplementary cells, one in each arm of the cross. Each of these cells presumably contained a large statue of metal, one of which may have been that fine figure, a product of the famous Varendra foundry, discovered at Sultanganj and now deposited in the Birmingham Art Gallery. For the instruction and edification of the multi-tudes of devotees who paid homage to this shrine, as it is recorded that it was venerated by the followers of all creeds, Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain, the exterior faces of the terraces were embellished with a continuous series of terracotta plaques illustrating in bas-relief the mythology and folklore of the country. Among the subjects depicted incidents have been identified relating to the life of the god Krishna, said to antedate the emergence of this cult by several centuries. In addition to this great central structure it was enclosed by an extensive range of monastic dwellings sufficient to accom-modate a large establishment of priests. That such a grand monument, a landmark in the religious and architectural history of the country should have been almost entirely effaced is regrettable, but it is a matter of satisfaction to know that recent research and modern scientific methods have rescued what remains, and brought to light a building, which it is recorded formed at one time the cultural centre of eastern India.