Torana

Built Environments & Structures Architecture

Meaning ‘gateway’ or ‘arched entrance’ in Sanskrit and Pali, torana refers to a free-standing gateway marking the entrance to a Buddhist shrine or stupa, or a Hindu temple. Usually made of stone, it comprises two pillars supporting two or three transverse beams extending beyond the pillars on both sides, or an ornamented arch forming a single structure. The oldest surviving Buddhist torana is at the Bharhut Stupa, dated to c. 250 BCE.

More Definitions

Panchayatana

A layout in traditional Hindu temple architecture in which the central shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines, each at…

Roll Bracket

Also known as taranga potika, it is a corbel-bracket with a roll-like pattern or moulding.

Ardhamandapa

A half-open pillared hall in Hindu temples. The ardhamandapa serves as an open porch at the entrance of the temple…

Stucco

A type of fine plaster or coating material used to cover walls and ceilings with decorative patterns, it is also…

gopuram

Towering, multi-storeyed gateway characteristic of South Indian Dravida temple architecture. A temple may have several gopurams, or gopuras, punctuating the…

Shah Maqsud Shrine, Khakriz

Shrine north of Kandahar in Afghanistan, dedicated to Shah Maqsud, a companion of Ali ibn Abi Talib — cousin of…

Vaulted

An architectural descriptor for ceilings or roofs that feature self-supporting arches known as vaults. In its simplest form, the vault…

Double-Voluted

An architectural or design element consisting of two scroll-shaped ornamental figures mounted on pillar capitals. The curving shape is believed…