Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c44.11.3

c44.11.3

For instance in the design of the sikhara there is no attempt at the ringed zoning which gives its principal effect to the Angkor examples, nor is there the grouping of turrets (*urusringas*), that produces the vertical quality in the Indo-Aryan type. On the contrary the upper part of the tower, although in horizontal stages, these are obtained mainly by the imposition on the central core of a series of alcoves or niches diminishing as they rise, and as the tower tappers to its apex This apex, although ruined, appears to have ended in some form of *amalasila*, thus pre-figuring the domical terminal of the Tai p'ra-prang of the succeeding period. There are other variations in this tower, some of them refinements, such as the concave sections of the moulded corbel tables, which, in the Angkor type, are plainly angular, and, again, the diminishing effect of the Mahadhatu sikhara is obtained by sloping stages, whereas the Cambodian are vertical. One important improvement in constructional technique the Khmers introduced which has a marked effect on the building art of Siam at this period ; this was the use of laterite stone to replace the brick or rubble previously employed. Such a change in the nature of the building material may be an aid in solving the problem of the classification of Khmer architecture within Siamese territory. (Plate CLX).