Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c45.4

c45.4

In working out their temple scheme it was the custom of the Cham builders to plan these in groups of three, the principal shrine being in the centre with its subsidiary shrines placed on either side These were arranged on a square terrace, and each of the buildings was square in plan with a square cella forming the interior. Above this ground plan in each instance arose a tall tower, and the design of this triad of towers, called *kalan*, is the chief feature of the style. The *kalan* is usually an isolated structure corresponding to the sikhara, vimana, or deul, of the Indian examples, and is constructed of brick with elaborate ornamentations. Access to the cells within is obtained by a doorway projected from the east or west sides, but some have porticos connected with the cella by a vaulted passage. The interiors are all vaulted structures, with plain walls, and the arches and vaults are formed, not by the "true" method, but by means of oversailing courses of bricks gradually reducing the space until these meet at the apex.