History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c16.45

v1.c16.45

General Cunningham dug out a small vihâra at Shâh-Dherî, the ancient Taxila, which seems more ancient than these Peshâwar monasteries. As will be seen from the plan (Woodcut No. 124), it is not only small in dimensions, but simple in its arrangements—as simple, indeed, as any of those at Katak or in the western Ghâts. Like some of them it has a raised bench, not, however, divided into beds as there, but more like a continuous seat.¹ It no doubt, however, was used for both purposes. Its most remarkable peculiarity, however, is its Ionic order. As will be seen, the bases of the pillars are of the usual form, and as correct as any that could be found in Greece or Rome, from before the Christian Era to the age of Constantine, and, though the capital is not fully made out, there can be little doubt what was intended (Woodcut No. 125). Twelve coins of Azes were found close by, from which it may be inferred the building was not of earlier date than his age, or the 1st century b.c.,² and there is nothing in the architecture to militate against this idea. It seems the oldest thing yet found in this province.