[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911) › c8.20 # A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day c8.20 A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day c8.20 - **Language:** English ### [c8.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.20) The true explanation seems to be that the domical form of the masonry \*stūpa\* (probably built first in brick, not stone) is derived from the curved roof of bamboos built over a primitive circular hut-shrine constructed of perishable materials. Circular shrines with conical roofs still exist among the Todas, and such a structure, if fitted with a domical roof, would be a \*stūpa\*. The solid interior of the \*stūpa\* may or may not have been suggested by the tumulus. My argument applies only to the exterior domical form. - [Previous: c8.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.19) - [Next: c8.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.21) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.20) · Pramāṇa