A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day c8.169

c8.169

bear single lions and pilasters on their capitals, the outermost [bears] posturing *gaṇas* (dwarfs). In height this row of columns is but 9 ft. 9 in., while the two inner rows reach 16 ft. All are octagonal, and all are unbroken, save four; but several have lost their spreading capitals. Within the circle of pillars, seated on an *āsanaya*, is a Buddha in stone; probably one of four cardinally placed, with their backs to a small central *dāgaba*. The design on the stone slab wall encircling the *dāgaba* and columns is the "Buddhist railing" pattern, in this differing from the flowered ornamentation of the Polonnāruwa "*Waṭa-dā-gē*".