Chhatri
Also called: Chhatra · Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 4 "Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings"
Meaning
In a stupa, the chhatri (also chhatra) is the stone umbrella at the very top. A stupa is a dome-shaped relic mound. The chhatri sits on the yashti, a mast that rises from the harmika, the square box on top of the dome. In ancient India, an umbrella was a sign of royalty and honour. Placing it over the relics showed great respect for the Buddha. Some stupas have three umbrellas stacked on one mast.
Example
The Great Stupa at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh has a three-tiered chhatri on its mast, above the square harmika.
Don't confuse with
- Chhatri (Rajput and Mughal architecture): a domed pavilion on pillars, often a memorial. It is a later building type, not the umbrella on top of a stupa.