Question

Form groups of four or five students and imagine you are artisans with just simple tools. Looking at Fig., how would you go about building a dome of bricks? Looking at Fig., how would you carve such a ceiling? Discuss and compare the different groups’ conclusions.

Answer 1

• Building a brick dome: First, a wooden or stone framework would be built in the shape of the dome to support the structure. Bricks would then be placed in circular layers, beginning at the bottom and gradually moving upwards. The bricks would be shaped carefully so that they fit together, using interlocking methods such as corbelling or special mortar to keep them secure. Finally, a single stone would be placed at the top to complete and strengthen the dome.
• Carving a ceiling: To carve a ceiling like the arched roof in Ellora Cave No. 10, the design would first be carefully marked on the rock surface. Then, the rock would be slowly chiselled away from the top downward while keeping the arched beams and ribs intact. This work required great care, accuracy, and planning to make sure the arches remained strong and did not collapse.

Different groups might have different ideas about the sequence of work and the techniques used.