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 type of fine plaster or coating material used to cover walls and ceilings with decorative patterns, it is also…
Bell tower; or the upper part of this or a steeple, which houses bells; or specifically the timber structure by…
In Indian temple architecture, it is the term for the lintel located above a doorway. It is often a carved…
A decorative architectural motif where a narrow portion of the wall projects outwards and resembles a rectangular pillar-like structure. In…
Derived from the Sanskrit word broadly meaning "house" or "shelter", shala may refer to a covered pavilion, often oblong; a…
In Indian temple architecture, it is a style of decorative moulding seen on a tier of the adhisthana, the raised…
A half-open pillared hall in Hindu temples. The ardhamandapa serves as an open porch at the entrance of the temple…
An outward square projection from the main shrine of the temple, occuring in a cluster of three. Trirathas are typically…