An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c31.305

v2.c31.305

A fine brick *stūpa*, 28 m sq, was constructed to the n. of Vihāra 1. Called *mahā-stūpa* in an inscription, it had an extant height of 11·27 m and had a highly decorated base with different mouldings with decorated pilasters dividing it into ten panels. The top moulding also had decorated bricks in its construction. On the base ran all round a passage about 2·5 m wide. From the inner side of the passage the *stūpa* rose in two tiers. The lower one had plain mouldings with decorated brick arches which had stucco images of Buddha in them. This as well as the upper parts were in a highly dilapidated condition and indicated several repairs. The core of the *stūpa* showed the existence of 140 courses of brickwork. Prior to the raising of the structure the uneven ground was levelled and strengthened. The bricks from the core indicate that discarded decorated brickwork as well as images of Buddha were used in its construction.