History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c33.s8.9

v2.c33.s8.9

The naked form of these monasteries—if the expression may be used—will be understood from the following woodcut (No. 457) of one erected at Mandalay. It is apparently five storeys in height, but as a matter of fact only one storey is occupied, the first, or "piano nobile" as we would call it. The reason for this being that the Pôngyi or priest would refuse to reside in a building where any one's feet were above his head. The first storey of a Kyaung, and this applies to the example at Mandalay, is always raised about 8 to 10 ft. above the ground, being carried on great timber posts. It is surrounded by a balcony on three sides, access to which is obtained by flights of steps enclosed between balustrades with a peculiar