Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c39.27

c39.27

In the conception of this architectural style, there are three structural formations of such a prominent nature that they go a long way towards shaping its character. These are, (*a*) a recess or niche composed of a trefoil arch within a high-pitched triangular pediment, (*b*) the pyramidal roof, and (*c*) the employment throughout of a variety of fluted pillar, with capital and entablature complete, resembling in some respects the Doric order of the classical mode. The most distinctive of these is the trefoil arch and pediment, introduced into the scheme in the manner of a *leit-motif*, or a theme which can be disposed or manipulated at will, and around which others can be added as required. The origins of both arch and pediment are fairly clear. The former was derived from the trefoiled cell of the Gandhara stupa court, as used for instance in the monastery of Takht-i-Bhaı (Plate XXXIII), while the pediment had its prototype in buildings of the same school, an illustration of which may be seen in a niche on the Shrine of the Double Eagle at Sırkap, Taxila, (Chapter VII). Such are the immediate sources, but both go still further back into the past, as for example the real origin of the trefoil motif is to be found in the conventional shape produced by the chaitya arch with its side aisles, a combination forming the facade of the early rock-cut temples of Buddhist India.