Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c14.7

c14.7

‘Long ago, when Brahmadatta, who observed the Ten Duties of a ruler, was reigning in Benāres, there came into his mind this thought, ‘Everywhere in India are kings whose palaces have many columns; what if I build a palace supported by a single column only? Then shall I be the first and singular king among all other kings!’ So he summoned his craftsmen, and ordered them to build him a magnificent palace supported by a single pillar. ‘It shall be done,’ they said, and away they went into the forest.