History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c33.s17.14

v2.c33.s17.14

As will be observed from the plan and elevation (Woodcuts 477, 478, page 423), the monument may be described either as a seven or a nine-storeyed vihâra, according as we reckon the platform on which the seventy-two small dâgabas stand as one or three storeys. Its basement measures over 400 ft. across, but the real temple is only 300 ft. from angle to angle either way. It is not, however, either for its dimensions or the beauty of its architectural design that Boro-Budur is so remarkable, as for the sculptures that line its galleries. These extend to nearly 5,000 ft.—almost an English mile—and as there are sculptures on both faces, we have nearly 10,000 lineal ft. of bas-reliefs ; or, if we like to add those which are in two storeys, we have a series of sculptures, which, if arranged consecutively in a row, would extend over nearly 3 miles of ground. Most of them, too, are singularly well preserved ; for when the Javans were converted to Muhammadanism it was not in anger, and they were not urged to destroy what they had before reverenced ; they merely neglected them, and, except for earthquakes, these monuments would now be nearly as perfect as when first erected.