The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c33.25

v1.c33.25

The next important landmark in the history of the early Indian school is supplied by the well-known railing round the great Temple at Buddh Gayā and the pillars of the *chaṅkrama* or promenade to the north of it. This railing (Pl. XIX, 49) was disposed in a quadrangle measuring 145 feet by 108 feet, but in other respects was designed and adorned in much the same way as the rail at Bhārhut. On the outside of the coping was a continuous band of flowers; on the inside, a frieze of animals or mythical monsters; on the cross-bars, lotus medallions centred with busts or other devices; and on the upright pillars, standing figures in high relief (Pl. XIX, 50) or medallions and panels containing a variety of miscellaneous scenes.