Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c40.6

c40.6

Except however for their elaborate finials, the two examples of this class of stupa, are two very different conceptions. The Bodhnath for instance, has every appearance of having been, within modern times, thoroughly restored, but none the less, such conservation is of a convincing nature, suggesting that the old forms have been retained, and that the building as a whole is not far removed from its original design Its chief character lies in the substructure which comprises a number of concentric terraces, with turrets at the angles, the whole approached by a simple and dignified flight of steps The Bodhnath is an impressive monument by virtue of its plain and almost austere combination of planes and surfaces, contrasting emphatically with the intricate and elaborate nature of the subsequent mediaeval structures shortly to be described.