Common Nouns Lexicon

A pylon, in the architecture of Egyptian temples, refers to the monumental structure consisting of two trapezoidal towers framing a central gateway, often adorned with intricate reliefs and inscriptions.

The Qibla is the direction Muslims face when praying, oriented towards the Kaaba in Mecca.

A qila is an Urdu and Hindi term for a fortress or fort, commonly used in the Indian subcontinent to refer to major defensive structures.

A raja is a royal title of Sanskrit origin meaning "king" or "ruler". Used throughout the Indian subcontinent since antiquity, it was borne by rulers of kingdoms ranging from small principalities to powerful regional states. Some rajas also received honorific distinctions such as Raja-i-Rajgan, which did not alter their sovereign status.

A rana is a traditional royal title borne primarily by several Rajput dynasties of northwestern India and, later, by certain rulers and political leaders in Nepal. It designates an independent sovereign whose legitimacy was closely associated with military leadership and dynastic tradition.

A ratha is a carved stone chariot, typically found in front of Hindu temples, symbolizing the celestial chariots of the gods.

A rawal is an ancient royal title borne by several Rajput dynasties of western India, particularly in Rajasthan. It designated an independent ruler and was notably used by the kings of Jaisalmer and by the early rulers of Mewar before the adoption of the title rana.

Red sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock distinguished by its distinctive color ranging from light pink to deep red. This coloration is primarily due to the presence of iron oxide.

A riwâq is a covered gallery supported by columns or arcades, typical of Islamic architecture.

Round arches, also known as Roman arches, are semi-circular architectural structures widely used in Roman and medieval architecture to support loads and create openings