In architecture, a wide slab at the top of a load-bearing column, forming the uppermost section of the capital and helping transfer the weight of the supported beam or arch to the column’s shaft. In freestanding columns the abacus may be mounted with decorative or emblematic sculptures. From the Ancient Greek ábax, meaning ‘slab’.
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A small antechamber connecting the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of the temple to its mandapa (pillared hall). It is a feature…
Meaning ‘heap’ in Sanskrit, stupa refers to a Buddhist structure usually housing buried remains of a deified figure or other sacred relics.…
A decorative motif similar to a barrel-vaulted roof, with a circular dormer-shaped or horseshoe-shaped arch. It is commonly found in…
A decorative architectural motif where a narrow portion of the wall projects outwards and resembles a rectangular pillar-like structure. In…
A term referring to the shape of an apse, an architectural element that serves as a semi-circular end for a…
A Shaivite temple or shrine constructed in the cemetery of a ruler or member of the royal family to commemorate…
Sanskrit for 'stool' or 'pedestal', it is the platform on which idols are installed in the garbhagriha or innermost sanctum…
Meaning ‘railing’ or ‘raised platform or altar’ in Sanskrit and Pali, vedika refers to the outer railing around a sacred…