Yashti
Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 4 "Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings"
Meaning
The yashti is a mast, or pole, that rises from the harmika at the very top of a stupa. The harmika is the small balcony-like structure on the mound. A chhatri, or umbrella, crowns the yashti. The yashti forms the upright line at the centre of the whole monument. It was a standard part of Buddhist stupas from about the 3rd century BCE onward.
Example
At the Great Stupa of Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh), the yashti rises from the harmika and carries the chhatri. This completes the order anda → harmika → yashti → chhatri.
Don't confuse with
- Chhatri: the yashti is the pole. The chhatri is the umbrella placed on top of it.