Minor Structural Stupas at Lalitagiri

Around the apsidal chaitya-griha minor structural stupas are built and majority of the stupas are located on the southern side (Fig.9). These structural stupas are built either of brick or stone. These stupas are either circular or square in shape and of varying sizes. Few structural stupas are super-imposed one above the other and in few cases multiple stupas are built on a single platform; same kind of examples are found at Udayagiri too.

The structural stupas are numbered as per my convenience and is shown in the plan of the site, marked as Fig. 9.

Structural Stupa–1 (32 cm high)

Masonry base of a square votive stupa (308 x 258 cm) comprises three receding courses of stone (Plate-XIV).

Structural Stupa–2 (40 cm high)

A tri-ratha masonry base of stupa (335 x 334 cm.) comprises of five courses of stone. The lowest one is underneath the soil; in few places it is visible. The second course of stone is rounded followed by three receding courses (Plate-XIV).

Structural stupa 1and 2 were excavated in 1977 by K.S.Behera rest of the other stupas were excavated between 1985 to 1992.

Structural Stupa–4

Masonry outline of a base of a stupa (194 x 143 cm.), which is hardly visible from three sides and one side is missing.

Structural Stupa–5 (49 cm high)

A squaremasonry base of a stupa (190 x 190 cm.) comprises of flat base followed by three receding courses of stone. The edges of the lowest one are rounded.

Structural Stupa–6 (77 cm high)

A squaremasonry base of a stupa (89 x 85 cm.) with two receding courses topped by a circular base of a votive stupa; the circular base of the stupa is in a dilapidated condition.

Structural Stupa–7

Masonry outline of a base of a stupa (203 x 130 cm.), which is hardly visible from three sides and one side is missing.

Structural Stupa–8 and 9

Both the masonry base of the stupas are measuring 184 x 184 cm, comprising of one course of stone slab.

Structural Stupa–10 (27 cm high)

A squaremasonry base of a stupa (75 x 75 cm.) with two receding courses; the extent upper part is made of a single stone block.

Structural Stupa–14 (60 cm high)

A squaremasonry base of a stupa (206 ½ x 206 ½ cm.) with five diminishing courses; the top most tier is partially broken.

Structural Stupa–15 (45 cm high)

A squaremasonry base of a stupa (123 ½ x 125 cm.) with four diminishing courses; structural stupa No.14 and this stupa are constructed on a single platform.

Structural Stupa–16 (89 cm high)

A square pedestal of brick work (195 x 195 cm.) composed of fifteen courses exhibiting two projected courses at the base followed by facet in between the recesses crowned by a khura shaped moulding and a thin projection, again followed by a broad recess which is further superimpose by a thin and deep recess over which is a projection, crowned by a khura shaped moulding.

Structural Stupa–17 (71 cm high)

A masonry platform measuring 464 (E-W) x 417 cm (N-S), is extended on the south-west and the north-east corners; both these extensions have variation in basal decoration (Plate-XV). Composed of six courses; this base might have been used for multiple stupas i.e. one large stupa at the centre and two small stupas on the extended part. The structure shows three projected bands at the base, followed by a recess and crowned by another projected band.

Structural Stupa–19 (54 cm high)

A square masonry platform of a stupa measuring 305 x 305 cm, exhibiting four receding bands and five courses of stone work.

Structural Stupa–20 (90 cm high)

The huge masonry circular basement of a stupa measuring 490 cm in diameter. It is erected over an earlier existing circular brick structure followed by a circular stone base crowned by two receding mouldings above which rests the lowermost course of the drum (Plate-XVI). It is composed of seven courses of stone. The structural stupa -17 has intrudedinto its base in the northeastern corner.

Structural Stupa–21 (37 cm high)

A masonry square base of a stupa measuring 141 x 97 cm. It is partially uncovered and a major portion of it is still underneath the circumambulatory pavement of the apsidal chaitya-griha. A square base is crowned by a khura moulding and topped by one more course of stone. This structure might have been of the earlier period.

Structural Stupa–22 (38 cm high)

A square masonry pedestal erected over a stone platform measuring 197 x 197 cm, displaying khura moulding at the base which is topped by two diminishing courses of stone.

Structural Stupa–23 (100 cm high)

Brick platform measuring 255 cm on the southern arm, 181 cm on the western arm and 230 cm on the northern arm; a projected base of single course of brick followed by four courses of brick line over which on the centre a stone base measuring 127 x 127 cm supports the drum of a circular brick stupa (120 cm in diameter with 55 cm in height) composed of nine courses (Plate-XVII). The structure joins on the western periphery of another larger stupa (structural stupa-24) indicating two different phases of construction. This is the only brick structure in the complex, wherein stone is cautiously used as the base of the medhi.

Structural Stupa–24 (99 cm high)

A large circular brick stupa, showing a single course projection at the base and the drum of the stupa is composed of twelve courses of brick. The diameter of medhi is 365 cm. To its western end intrudes the platform of a structure (structural stupa-23) of later period.

Structural Stupa–25 (46 cm high)

A small square base of brick votive stupa measuring 100 x 100 cm showing four succeeding tiers made of seven courses of brick.

Structural Stupa–26 (87 cm high)

The stupa base is overlapping on the pavement of (structural stupa–20 and 27), the masonry basement of a circular stupa (diameter 2.65m.) shows two tiers at base, of which the lowermost course is partially carved in petal shape and the rest of the stone blocks are plain (PlateXVIII). The projected band is followed by the medhi comprising of four courses. The core of the stupa is filled with brickbats, boulders and soil.

Structural Stupa–27 (113 cm high)

This is the largest masonry stupa raised over a uniformly laid square stone low base measuring 1020 x 985 cm square, the stupa at the base has a circular band followed by two mouldings and a plain medhi consisting of seven courses (Plate-XIX). The diameter of the stupa is 800 cm. The core of the stupa is filled with random rubbles, boulders and mud. At present a fragment of a pillar at the western corner of the platform indicates that the stupa was provided with the railings in the past.

Structural Stupa–28 (25 cm high)

This base is built on the pavement of (structural stupa-27) measuring 141 x 129 cm comprising of five courses of stone work. During conservation it has been left incomplete on the eastern side, might be the conservator could not trace the extended part.

Structural Stupa–29 (92 cm high)

Square masonry pedestal measuring 150 x 150 cm, it is composed of seven courses of stone. On a low platform there is a band and a facet at the base, a recess followed by a thin facet and a band supporting the square base on the top. The circular medhi of stupa displays a slightly projected band at the base over which exists one course.

Structural Stupa–30 (39 cm high)

Adjacent to the south of masonry structural stupa-31 is the square pedestal measuring 100 x 40 cm, it is composed of five courses of brick showing projection at the base as an elongated khura and two other courses in receding order.

Structural Stupa–31 (25 cm high)

Masonry square pedestal measuring 91 x 90 cm with three mouldings at the base supporting two receding circular base of the medhi.

Structural Stupa–32 (90 cm high)

A huge circular brick stupa 365 cm in diameter to the southern of the apsidal chaityagriha compriseses of thirteen courses of brick, the lowermost course shows a projection. Over this pedestal rests the medhi. In spite of recent conservation the stupa retains the original bricks.

Structural Stupa–33 (25 cm high)

Circular basement of a large masonry stupa 3.95m.in diameter comprises of two courses, the top one is slightly receded (Plate-XX). The core of the structure is filled with boulder, brickbats, potsherds, etc.

The stupa is erected over a large stone pavement measuring 533 x 567 cm. Conservation work is in process.

Structural Stupa–34 (45 cm high)

Base of a rectangular masonry structure measuring 311 x 234 cm, orienting north-south consists of two receding courses followed by two regular courses.

Structural Stupa–35 (8 cm high)

Base of a square masonry structure measuring 258 x 223 cm, comprising of one course, western part of the base is washed away. This structure is overlapping over another structure and is in ruins.

Structural Stupa–36 (38 cm high)

A rectangular masonry structure orienting east-west measuring 520 x 283 cm (western end) while its eastern end is 248 cm consisting of three receding courses. Un-evenness is seen in the structure due to joining of two adjacent structures together.

Structural Stupa–37 (28 cm high)

Base of a stone structure measuring 315 x 278 cm, comprised of two courses and the core is filled with brickbats and random rubbles etc.

Structural Stupa–38 (23 cm high)

Basement of a rectangular masonry stupa 220 x 168 cm consists of two courses.

Structural Stupa–39 (50 cm high)

Basement of a rectangular masonry structure measuring 404 x 208 cm orienting north south consists of a single course. The core is filled with materials like brickbats, earth and boulder. It is completely in ruins.

Structural Stupa–40 (50 cm high)

Base of a long brick structure measuring 870 x 125 cm; comprises of six courses. On a single platform four pedestals have been raised; alternate pedestals are on same alignment (Plate-XXI). These pedestals might have been used for placing multiple stupas.

Structural Stupa–41 (48 cm high)

Basement of a square masonry stupa 142 x 134 cm consisting of five courses of which the lowermost is curved one, succeeded by two receding mouldings and two courses on the same alignment (Plate-XXII). The exposed top surface shows that the core was filled with rubble and earth. Beneath this structure there is another structure measuring 148 x 50 cm, comprising of two courses. Both these structures are partially underneath the apsidal chaityagriha.

Structural Stupa–42 (60 cm high)

A large circular brick stupa consists of nine courses with a diameter of 400 cm above which stands the rectangular base of a masonry stupa, signifying two different phases. Masonry pedestal consists of two courses, measuring 310 x 215 cm.

Structural Stupa–43 (55 cm high)

A square base of a masonry stupa measuring 90 x 90 cm consisting of seven courses; showing a khura and a facet at the base followed by a recess and a facet and a band at the top crowned by a square and a circular base.

Structural Stupa–45 (32 cm high)

A square base of a masonry stupa, measuring 92 x 88 cm shows two diminishing mouldings followed by a circular base of medhi with a diameter of 80 cm.

Structural Stupa–46 (89 cm high)

A square masonry base of a stupa 130 x 80 cm. comprises of seven courses of stone with a facet at the base followed by a tall vertical recess of four courses topped by a plain projected band. Eastern face of the recess contains a Brahmi inscription mentioning “Sri Ranadhirenutara”. Palaeographically, it is datable to circa seventh century CE.

Structural Stupa–47 (66 cm high)

Base of a masonry square stupa 100 x 100 cm decorated with two recessed bands at the base followed by a rafter end motifs crowned by two facets and a projected khura at the top (Plate-XXIII). A medhi with a band followed by two facets at the base is placed above this vedhi. Four niches are carved on this medhi on the cardinal directions. One is bearing an image of Buddha in dhyana-mudra (unfinished) rest of the three niches are empty. On the top at the centre of the medhi there is a socket for holding relic or dharini.

Structural Stupa–48 (77 cm high)

The circular base of a masonry stupa with a diameter of 270 cm consisting of seven courses; standing on a circular base followed by a recess and two mouldings and crowned by three courses on same alignment. Structural Stupa–49 (68 cm high)

Medhi of a stupa is erected over a thin circular basement having a diameter of 125 cm. The stone blocks used for the construction of the medhi are dressed but are of different sizes.

Structural Stupa–50 (53 cm high)

Square masonry base 104 x 104 cm of a stupa showing khura like moulding superimposed by a square facet above which rests the monolithic circular base of medhi 85 cm in diameter and 38 cm in height. There is a depression in the centre for keeping relic or dharini.

Structural Stupa–56 (40 cm high)

Square basement of a masonry stupa 123 x120 cm consisting of two courses of which the lower is curved, while the upper one is slightly receding. Above which is a monolithic circular base of a medhi 83 cm in diameter and 29 cm in height.

Structural Stupa–57 and 58

Both the masonry structures are erected over a single rectangular platform measuring 186 x 77 cm. The structure 57 shows the circular basement measuring 66 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height over which rests the medhi of a votive stupa.

Structure 58 represents the base of a circular votive stupa 68 cm in diameter and 25 cm in height. There is a socket at the centre on the top.

Structural Stupa–61 (85 cm high)

Basement of a large square brick stupa 430 cm x 430 cm consisting of fourteen courses including a decorative elongated khura like moulding, on each side there are four khura shaped mouldings at regular intervals.

Structural Stupa–63

Basement of a rectangular brick platform measuring 512 (L) x 107 (W) x 54 (H) cm consisting of eight courses with three receding bands, over which four brick built circular votive stupas in a row are erected on east-west orientation. The stupa starting from west measures 88 cm in diameter and 19 cm in height, consists of three courses; while the next one is of four courses measuring 88 cm in diameter and 26 cm in height; the third one consisting of six-courses, measuring 90 cm in diameter and 38 cm in height out of which the lower three are in receding order. The fourth one is 89 cm in diameter and 44 cm in height. Largest among the group has seven courses of brick out of which lower three are in receding order.

Structural Stupa–64 (36 cm high)

Base of a square masonry structure measuring 245 x 220 cm, consists of three courses in a receding order. The structure is in a dilapidated condition.

Structural Stupa–65 (59 cm high)

The base of a square masonry stupa measuring 162 x 159 cm consists of five receding courses above which is a faceted band and a platform. Recently it has been conserved.

Structural Stupa–66 (36 cm high)

Base of a square masonry stupa measuring 165 x 161 ½ cm, comprises of four receding bands.

Structural Stupa–67 (44 cm high)

Base of a square masonry structure measuring 208 x 208 cm, consists of three courses uniformly in a receding order.

Structural Stupa–68 (33 cm high)

Base of a square stupa measuring 159 x 159 cm consisting of four courses followed by a band, a recess and the top course is projected.

Structural Stupa–69 (39 cm high)

Base of a small masonry structure (102 x 96 cm) showing five receding courses.

Structural Stupa–70

Base of a stupa measuring 210 x 90 cm, is completely in ruins survived by one course in Lshape.

Structural Stupa–71

Remains of a rectangular base measuring 470 x 425 cm, comprises of a brick platform followed by a masonry structure in receding order of which one course is standing. This brick and stone structure might be of different phases. The structure is in a dilapidated condition.

Structural Stupa–72 (140 cm high)

A huge square base of the stupa measuring 455 x 455 cm, consists of twenty one courses of brick. A khura shaped high base (on the south face) of eight courses, above the khura is a narrow recess of one course. The crowning recess is a moulding with four courses (Plate-XXIV). The moulding is composed of both the projecting and receding courses followed by a recess with two courses; above which is a projecting band followed by four courses. The structure is in a bad state of conservation.

Structural Stupa–73 (88 cm high)

Masonry rectangular platform measuring 480 x 180 cm,it might have been used to install multiple stupas. This rectangular platform exhibits five projections at the base followed by a recess and two corbelled courses at the top. The inner core is filled with random material. This structure is attached to (structure-72) indicating both the structures are of different phases.

Structural Stupa–74 (48 cm high)

Adjacent to northern arm of rectangular structure (structure-73) this masonry edifice is also rectangular 346 x 175 cm in shape. The (structure-73) is erected just above this indicating its earlier antiquity. However, this structure comprises of five receding courses.

Structural Stupa–75 (66 cm high)

The base of square masonry stupa, measuring 265 x251 cm displays five courses in receding order. Presently it has been conserved.

Structural Stupa–76 (65 cm high)

The remains of a square platform 166 x 160 cm comprises of three projecting mouldings at the base followed by a recess, two facets and a band. Structures (76, 77 and 78, from left to right) are sharing a single platform measuring 715 cm long (Plate-XXV). Width could not be measured as the other end is underneath the earth.

Structural Stupa–77 (53 cm high)

Rectangular masonry platform measuring 233 X 110 cm (Plate-XXV, at the centre) for accommodating twin stupas above it, out of which the remains of one stupa still exists in situ. The base of the stupas shows two projecting bands and a thin facet topped by a recess of one course of stone. Atop is a projecting band with a facet at its base. The diameter of the base of the stupa is 95 cm; above which rests the portion of drum of one course.

Structural Stupa–78 (85 cm high)

Remains of the base of a square stone platform 290 x 290 cm composed of seven courses, showing four projecting borders at the base, above which are three courses on same alignment. The core is filled with random rubbles, soil and stone blocks etc.

Structural Stupa–79 (80 cm high)

Base of a masonry pedestal measuring 360 x 360 cm, comprises of one projecting course at the base followed by two recessed courses on the top. This structure is in a dilapidated condition.

Structural Stupa–80 (67 cm high)

Square masonry platform of a stupa measuring 165 x 163 cm comprises of six receding courses.

Structural Stupa–81 (19 cm high)

Square masonry platform of a stupa measuring 150 x 122 cm comprises of two courses in same alignment. The structure is in ruins.

Structural Stupa–82 (25 cm high)

Square masonry platform of a stupa measuring 250 x 250 cm,has same components as StructuralStupa-81.

Structural Stupa–83 (33 cm high)

Square masonry pedestal measuring 260 x 260 cm, composed of four courses, the stupa is completely in ruins.

Structural Stupa–84 (30 cm high)

Square masonry pedestal of stupa measuring 160 x 140 cm displays projecting band at the base, topped by a single course of medhi, partially present in situ. It is in very bad state of preservation

This site is predominated by rock-cut stupas and six monolithic stupas. Other then the main stupa which is made of laterite and khondalite stones not a single structural stupa is reported from the site.