[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) › c8.7 # A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day c8.7 A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day c8.7 - **Language:** English ### [c8.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.7) The ancient civil buildings have all perished utterly, and the story of Indian architecture can be traced only by means of religious edifices. The characteristic Buddhist architectural compositions were \*stūpas\*, with their appurtenant railings and gateways, monasteries, and churches, the 'chaitya-halls' of Fergusson. The monasteries and churches include both rock-cut and structural examples. Isolated pillars also were frequently set up. - [Previous: c8.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.6) - [Next: c8.8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.8) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.smith-1911.c8.7) · Pramāṇa