312 Essay on the Avian Order of Architecture. [Sept. 



have triangular or pedimental tops are divided into square panels, each 

 containing a pointed arched recess. In the next example, which is that 

 of the enclosure of Zein-ul-ab-ud-din's tomb, the very same treatment 

 is observed, but with some ornamental additions betokening a later date. 

 Thus the pointed arches do not rest immediately upon the upright sides 

 of the recesses ; but are joined to them by short horizontal returns ; 

 while the most characteristic feature of the Kashmirian arch, the trefoil 

 is here observed for the first time, in the recess immediately on each 

 side of the entrance. The same trefoiled arch is also used in the door- 

 way of this enclosure. In these early examples the lower arcs of 

 the trefoil are of very small size, being only one fourth of that of the 

 upper one. This wall has also the same triangular or pedimental top, 

 but with the addition of two plain mouldings or annulets on each face. 

 Its thickness is also considerably less than that of the other, although 

 its height is somewhat greater. 



5. — Between the ancient simplicity of these enclosures, and the 

 majestic colonnade of Marttand, the difference is very great indeed ; 

 but so also is the interval between the dates of their erection, which is 

 upwards of 900 years. During this long period there must have been 

 a constant and yet gradual succession of improvements, which at last 

 resulted in the production of one of the noblest enclosures in the known 

 world. Amongst the earliest improvements were most probably the 

 insertion of plain pilasters in the spaces between the panels, and the 

 enlargement of the lower arcs of the trefoil to the same size as that of 

 the upper one. Both of these are well shown in the Srinagar Frieze 

 of Plate VIII. In this specimen, as well as in those of the Marttand 

 friezes, are first observed the small triangular-headed recesses in conjunc- 

 tion with the trefoil ; from which I conclude that the next improvement 

 was the addition of the pediment over the head of the trefoil, and the 

 consequent enlargement of the wall in all its parts. This increased size 

 would naturally have led to the successive enlargement of the recesses until 

 they had attained their present dimensions of distinct chambers. The 

 next step in advance was perhaps the gradual disengagement of the 

 pilasters from the walls until they became independent square pillars. 

 After this the change to round columns was easy and natural ; and the 

 insertion of new pilasters in the old places, must have quickly followed 

 upon the disengagement of the others. 





