Corbelling

In the realm of architecture this term
refers to the creation of a dome or arch
through overlapping masonry courses.
This technique was widely used in
Indian temples, particularly those constructed in the Nagara style of architecture in Orissa and the rest of northern
India. Corbelling was the prevailing
method of creating the shape of an arch,
since the true arch—in which each
part is supported in tension with the
others—was unknown in classical
Hindu architecture.