History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s4.38

v1.c19.s4.38

The fourth and most southerly, however — Dharmarâja's rath — is the finest and most interesting of the group. A view of it has already been given (Woodcut No. 89) and it is shown on the right hand of Woodcut No. 185. As will be seen from the annexed plan (No. 189), its dimensions are 26 ft. 9 in., by 28 ft. 8 in., and its height is rather more than 35 ft. It is consequently much larger than Arjuna's rath, but even with these dimensions it can only be considered as a model. The three upper storeys are ornamented with those little simulated cells mentioned above, and which are so universal in the south of India; the front of each of these cells with their connecting links, is adorned with a representation of one of those semi-circular dormer windows which are so usual in Buddhist architecture. Here each has a human head looking outwards. Behind these cells the walls are divided by slender pilasters into narrow compartments, and in each is placed the statue of a deity of the Hindû Pantheon, among which are found representations of [Figure: 189. Plan of Dharmarâja Rath. (From a Drawing by Mr. R. F. Chisholm.) Scale 20 ft. to 1 in.]