The tope was probably built solid, the inner portion being of stone obtained from the neighbouring rocks; but it had been formerly broken open, to the extent shown in the section, and the square hole O (cut in the rock) had been emptied of its relics, as also the shallower receptacle S, and the rough stone cover of one of these depositories for relics was found among the ruins, having a square hollow sunk into its lower side. The foundations of all the brick topes that have been cleared have the form shown in the drawing: they are of three sizes, 6 feet, 5 feet 3 inches, and 4 feet 6 inches in diameter at the bottom; and are built solid, of large flat segmental bricks (shaped in moulds) on the outside, and of square flat bricks within. All the brickwork has been covered with a thin coat of white plaster, which does not appear to have been painted. As eight of these topes were carefully searched down to the rock without any relics being found, it is probable that the place of deposit was in the cupola, which is destroyed in every instance. In two of the cleared topes a small plain stone was found occupying the place of a portion of two courses of the brickwork just above the mouldings, and this probably existed in all; a similarly shaped stone was found among the brick débris between the topes, which had an inscription on its circular face; this is No. 58 of the Kanheri Inscriptions. Many square stones cut in steps, and with a square hole through them, have been found among the brick débris, and evidently form ornamental tops for these topes. The number of foundations cleared and distinctly traced amounts to 54, and probably about 50 more foundations of these brick topes remained buried. It seems likely that these topes have contained the ashes of the priesthood, and that this gallery has been the general necropolis of the caves. |