Essay on the Architecture of the Hindus c4.s3.32

c4.s3.32

This pillar may, according to the definition of its form, be called *vishnucánta*, and appears in most of its ornaments, though not in their proportions, to agree with the description given by *Mánasára* of that which he called *pálicástambha*. He says, "the height of the collarino (*viracant'ha*) should be one diameter of the column; that of the *p'halaca*, one, three-quarters, or two or three diameters, and its projection one-fourth of its height. The height of the *cumb'ha* below the collarino may be half, one-and-a-half, or two diameters, and its breadth equal to the upper or lower collarino. The height of the *táticasya*† is half, or three-quarters of the diameter. Let the lower cima be equal to its height, and let its breadth be one-and-a-quarter diameter. Below that comes the *herica*† of half that height. The height and breadth of the *tática* are equally one diameter. Below that let a *calasa* (water-pot) be made about two diameters in breadth, and let the upper part of it be shaped in the form of a *durdhura* flower, and in such a manner as may appear graceful. Below this, about three-quarters of the diameter should be decorated with strings of pearls.