Common Nouns Lexicon

Canopic jars are vessels used in ancient Egypt to preserve embalmed viscera during mummification.

A cantilever is a structural element that projects beyond its support while being fixed at only one end. It is widely used in bridges, buildings and many engineering structures.

A caravanserai is a type of fortified inn used by merchants and travelers to rest and resupply along trade routes in Asia and the Middle East.

The Carnatic was a historical region of south-eastern India, mainly associated with the Coromandel Coast and parts of present day Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh. The Carnatic rivalries refer to the political, military and dynastic struggles that developed there mainly in the eighteenth century between Indian powers and European forces.

A cathedral is a Christian church that serves as the seat of a bishop. These buildings are often large and richly decorated, symbolizing the faith and religious power of their time.

The cella, or naos, is the main chamber of a Greek temple where the cult statue of the god or goddess was usually housed. This central room is surrounded by columns and forms the heart of the sanctuary.

A cenotaph is a funerary monument erected in honor of a person or group of people whose remains are not present at the site.

A chaitya-griha, typical in Buddhist sanctuaries, is a prayer hall that often houses a stupa. As a sacred space, it is used for meditation and religious rituals.

Cham dance is a form of sacred dance ritual performed in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. It features elaborate costumes and masks representing various deities, demons, and animals.

The charbagh garden is a traditional Persian garden type, structured around four sections often separated by water channels. This garden style is commonly used in Mughal architecture in India.