History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c33.s7.5

v2.c33.s7.5

Of these, one of the most remarkable is the Ânanda, built by Kyantsitthâ (1057-1085). As will be seen from the following plan (Woodcut No. 451), it is a square of nearly 200 ft. on each side, with projecting porticos on each face, so that it measures 280 ft. across each way. Like all the great pagodas of the city, it is several storeys in height, the two lower ones are square with square turrets at each end, the three above have seated lions at each angle, as shown in Plate XLI. The plan of these storeys, as also the base of the sikhara, follows that of the latter, being set back at the angles for reasons which have already been suggested. The sikhara is crowned with the conical finial and Htî. The setting back of each storey one behind the other gives the whole a pyramidal form, which in this case rises to the height of 183 ft.