DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.614#0327
284 BENABES, PAST AND PBESENT.
corners. The columns in the temple proper stand two
or four together; and the abacus or square stone upon
them, between the capital and architrave, is thirteen
inches deep, and is beautifully carved. The architrave
has a rich double band sculptured upon it, which passes
all round the temple, including the porticos. Above
this is a flat stone, and, above the stone, a row pf
niches, which are, probably, of Mohammedan origin.
Viewing the temple from the outside, a practised eye
soon distinguishes between the ancient portion and that
added by the Mohammedans. Above the portico, all
below the octagonal breastwork is, evidently, of Bud-
dhist workmanship, and the remainder, of Mohamme-
dan ; but the Mohammedans, there is reason to suppose,
availed themselves of old materials. At the termination
of the breastwork at each corner rests a small kalas, about
two-thirds of the circular disk of which is exposed, the
remainder being inserted in the wall. Although so
many ages have elapsed since this temple was erected,
and although it has been exposed alternately to the
ruthlessness of Hindu and of Mohammedan fanaticism,
yet with such singular skill have its proportions been
designed, and its blocks of stone been joined together,
—though without cement of any kind,—-that, at the
present moment, in spite of its aspect of hoary antiquity,
it seems almost, if not quite, as durable as on the day
on which it was finished; and it is unquestionable that,
if it be not barbarously damaged by vandalish hands,
it will continue to stand for centuries to come. The
simplicity, combined with the great strength, of its parts,
and the symmetrical arrangement of the whole, give to
corners. The columns in the temple proper stand two
or four together; and the abacus or square stone upon
them, between the capital and architrave, is thirteen
inches deep, and is beautifully carved. The architrave
has a rich double band sculptured upon it, which passes
all round the temple, including the porticos. Above
this is a flat stone, and, above the stone, a row pf
niches, which are, probably, of Mohammedan origin.
Viewing the temple from the outside, a practised eye
soon distinguishes between the ancient portion and that
added by the Mohammedans. Above the portico, all
below the octagonal breastwork is, evidently, of Bud-
dhist workmanship, and the remainder, of Mohamme-
dan ; but the Mohammedans, there is reason to suppose,
availed themselves of old materials. At the termination
of the breastwork at each corner rests a small kalas, about
two-thirds of the circular disk of which is exposed, the
remainder being inserted in the wall. Although so
many ages have elapsed since this temple was erected,
and although it has been exposed alternately to the
ruthlessness of Hindu and of Mohammedan fanaticism,
yet with such singular skill have its proportions been
designed, and its blocks of stone been joined together,
—though without cement of any kind,—-that, at the
present moment, in spite of its aspect of hoary antiquity,
it seems almost, if not quite, as durable as on the day
on which it was finished; and it is unquestionable that,
if it be not barbarously damaged by vandalish hands,
it will continue to stand for centuries to come. The
simplicity, combined with the great strength, of its parts,
and the symmetrical arrangement of the whole, give to