History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v1.c19.s7.1

v1.c19.s7.1

One great exception to the rule that the larger Dravidian temples are arranged as accident dictated is to be found at Tanjor. The great Pagoda there was commenced on a well-defined and stately plan, which was persevered in till its completion. As will be seen from the annexed diagram (Woodcut No. 212) it consists of two courts,² one a square of about 250 ft., originally devoted to minor shrines and residences; but when the temple was fortified by the French in 1777³ it was converted into an arsenal, and has not been re-appropriated to sacred purposes. The temple itself stands in a courtyard extremely well proportioned to receive it, being about 500 ft. long by half that in width, the distance between the gateway and the temple being broken by the shrine of the Bull Nandi,¹ which is sufficiently important for its purpose, but not so much so as to interfere with the effect of the great vimâna, which stands near the inner end of the court. The perpendicular part of its base measures 82 ft. square, and is two storeys in height, of simple outline, but sufficiently relieved by niches and pilasters. Above this the pyramid rises in thirteen storeys to the summit, which is crowned by a dome said to consist of a single stone, and reaching a height of 190 ft. The porch in front is kept low, and as will be seen from the woodcut (No. 213) the tower dominates over the gopurams and surrounding objects in a manner that imparts great dignity to the whole composition.