[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942) › c48.2 # Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c48.2 Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c48.2 - **Language:** English ### [c48.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.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 - [Previous: c48.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c48.1) - [Next: c48.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c48.3) - [Up: c48](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c48) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c48.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.brown-1942.c48.2) · Pramāṇa