Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c48.2

c48.2

Abacus, *phalaka* or *palagai*, a square or rectangular table forming the crowning member of a capital Acanthus, a genus of plants, used conventionally in Greek art *Achchaday*, lit. envelope, the outer stone facing of a stupa Acroteria, a figure or ornament placed on the apex or at the lower angles of a pediment Addorsed, back to back Adytum, inner and most sacred chamber Aisle, lateral divisions running at the sides of the nave. Alcove, vaulted recess in wall *Alinda*, verandah. *Amalaka*, *amalasila* or *amalasari*, flat fluted melon-shaped member usually at the summit of the Indo-Aryan type of *sikhara* or spire Ambulatory, *pradakshina patha* or processional path Amman, shrine or pavilion attached to temples of southern India for ceremonial reception of the *amman* or goddess Amphitheatre, oval or circular building, with seats rising above and behind one another round a central open space *Anardha-paga*, projected surface adjacent to the surface at the angle of a building. *Anda*, literally "egg," spherical portion of the stupa *Anghri*, dwarf-pillar. Antae, pilasters terminating the side walls of a classic building Antarala, vestibule, chamber in front of shrine or cella Antechamber, chamber or small hall in front of a larger hall, vestibule Apse, Apsidal, the circular termination of a building; first applied to a Roman basilica. Arabesque, decoration with fanciful intertwining of ornamental elements Arbour, a structural retreat, often of lattice-work in a garden Arcade, range of arches supported on piers or columns. Architrave, the beam or lowest division of the entablature which extends from column to column Arcuate, arched *Ardha-Chandra*, semicircular doorstep before a shrine door. *Ardha Mandapam*, compartment in front of main hall of temple. *Aruna-Stambha*, a pillar dedicated to Aruna who personifies the dawn, or the Sun. Arris, corner or angle, sharp edge formed by the meeting of two surfaces Aryaka, worshipful columns; row of five pillars symbolizing the Five Dhyana Buddhas *Asana*, a seat or throne Ashlar, squared stonework in regular courses, in contradistinction to rubble work. *Ashta-bhadra*, eight faced or sided; star-shaped. *Ashta-dikpala*, the eight regents or guardians of the four cardinal and four intermediate points of the compass; ceiling, divided into nine panels, in the central one is Brahma, while surrounding eight contain images of the eight regents of the compass Favourate ceiling design in later Chalukyan temples Astragal *kumuda*, small moulding round top or bottom of columns; torus Astylar, without columns. *Asvathara*, the "horse moulding" in the basement of a temple. *Athisthana*, base Atlantes, *kichaka* bracket, sculptured human figures used in place of columns or pilasters. Atrium, court open to the sky in the centre (Roman). Attic, the upper story of a building above the main cornice: of Athens or Attica