The University of Nalanda c18.51

c18.51

However, of all the architectural specimens that Nālandā presents to us, its arched niches are of the greatest importance.¹ They have drawn the attention of all the art critics. They present, as Havell remarks,² several varieties. None of them, however, conforms to the varieties he has pointed out, *viz.*, lotus-leaf and pipal leaf, lotus-leaf with *Makara*, lotus-leaf and *Makara*, lotus-leaf and pipal-leaf.³ Of those varieties cited and illustrated by Havell, about four in all appear to be in the shape of a pipal-leaf.⁴