________________
Ceiling height
Ekadashi Gumpha
Cave 13
Lalita Gumpha
Lalatendukesari Gumpha
Ambika Gumpha
Trusula Gumpha
Barabhuji Gumpha
Navamuni Gumpha
Dhyana Gumpha
Khandagiri Gumpha Tentuli Gumpha Ananta Gumpha Tatowa Gumpha-2 Tatowa Gumpha-1
0
0.5
Internal/External features
1
1.05
1.05
1.05
1.05
187
1.05
1.05
1.05.
1.05
1.05
1.05
1.05
11.05
Average Roof Height (in Sq.M.)
Cell ht. (in M) Verandah ht. (in M)
1.5
1.9
1.9
1.9
2
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.95
1.95
Figure: 6.15 - Ceiling Height in Khandgiri Caves. Source: (Author)
Eleven of these caves had a verandah in front of the cells. The ceiling of the verandah was usually different from that of the cell, it was 1.90 M. It is evident that entrance to the cells was so arranged that the user had to move from larger space to smaller space. The cells were mostly used for meditation and sleeping purposes, as it was difficult to stand up under a ceiling only 1.05 m high.
2.5
The architectural features or the religious symbolic ornamentations have been observed and sorted here. Almost 14% of the caves have such features and carvings only on the exterior. In 29% of the caves, ornamentation features like carvings and sculptures were found in the interior sides. The author found that more than half of the caves (57%) of the caves had blank walls in the exterior as well as interior of the caves - devoid of any kind of conscious effort towards decoration. Absence of architectural features as such may also be attributed to gradual decay with time or vandalism. The present form has been observed and noted here.
