Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v3.c43.t1.350

v3.c43.t1.350

Fronting the temple of Bal-rori, and apart from it about twenty yards, is another [709] superb edifice, called the Singar-chaori, or nuptial hall.² It is a square (chaori) of forty feet, supported by a double range of columns on each face, the intercolumniations being quite open ; and although these columns want the elegant proportions of the larger temple, they are covered with exquisite sculpture, as well as the ceilings. In the centre of the hall is an open space about twelve feet square ; and here, according to tradition, the nuptials of Raja Hun with the fair daughter of a Rajput prince, of whom he had long been enamoured, were celebrated ;³ to commemorate which event, these magnificent structures were raised : but more of this Hun anon. The external roof (or *sikhara*, as the Hindu Silpi terms the various roofs which cover their temples) is the frustum of a pyramid, and a singular specimen of architectural skill, each stone being a miniature temple, elegantly carved, gradually decreasing in size to the *kalas* or ball, and so admirably fitted to each other, that there has been no room for vegetation to insinuate itself, and consequently they have sustained no injury from time.