Anta capital

The anta is generally crowned by a stone block designed to spread the load from the superstructure (entablature) it supports, called an "anta capital" when it is structural, or sometimes "pilaster capital" if it is only decorative as often during the Roman period.

[4] In this case the sides of the capital broaden upward, in a shape reminiscent of a couch or sofa.

[6] In India, an anta capital of a quasi-Ionic type was discovered, and dated to the 3rd century BCE.

It is thought that its creation was due to the influence of the neighboring Seleucid Empire, or a nearby Hellenistic city such as Ai-Khanoum.

[7] Corinthian anta capitals tend to be much closer in design to the capitals of the columns, although often with a flattened composition: during the Greek period, Acanthus leaves are crowned by a central motif, such as a palmette, itself bracketed by volutes.