Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c77.2

v2.c77.2

Now the question is: What does this aṇḍaka mean? Its architectural meaning is cupola. This I have already indicated (vide Temple Architecture). Its meaning in Iconography, i. e. painting, in my opinion, is the model, a bare outline, a mark, as it were. Before a picture is painted on any background, it must have an outline. Or Aṇḍaka is the same as is now called 'Badāma' in shape of the dry fruit (?). As the aṇḍaka of a temple indicates its character (very important element of Architecture) so the aṇḍaka in Painting is also its index of the picture to be painted.