Defence Architecture in Early North Karnataka c18.s2.t2.4

c18.s2.t2.4

Again, the location of the stupas away from the fortification area is typical of Buddhist religion. It may be noted here that similar situation is extant at Kārlā, Ajanta, Pithalkhōra etc. Buddhist Chaityālayas, stūpās and Vihāras are generally built away from the habitation area, for the Budhist monks were to carry out the religious practices and study and are not to be disturbed from the din and bustle of the town life. For the purpose of preaching and begging they are expected to visit cities from their place of sojourn. On the other hand in the case of Brahmanical religion temple is the centre of cultural activities, such as imparting of education, trial of cases of judgement, religious discourses, performance of dances and music etc. Naturally, it is advisable that the temple should be at the habitation area so that it is accessible to all people easily. If there was any brahmanical temple in Sannati is to be known only from excavations. The present temple of Chandralāmbā on the river bank away from the outer fortification is of late Rāṣṭrakūṭa, by which time the fortifications were in disuse and the habitation was in the vicinity of the temple.