The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.262

v1.c10.262

**Mode of sitting:** The ordinary mode of sitting on ottomans in the saloons in company of friends, or on ceremonial occasions, was an erect one with legs crossed; but when at ease, the reclining position with one arm thrown over the *tākiyā* was preferred. This latter was also the practice of the Romans, who sat reclined **[ 106 ]** supported by the left elbow, *et cubito remanete presso*.¹²¹ On stools, chairs, and benches, the most common style was to sit with one leg hanging and the other placed on the opposite thigh. Sometimes the legs were crossed; at others, both the legs were allowed to hang in the European style, the feet resting on low stools; and this was evidently reckoned by far the most dignified mode of sitting; for figures of gods are generally so seated; they also occur with one leg hanging and the other folded, but never on the ground, or on a cushion with the legs crossed, as is usual with men in the present day. That persons of rank also adopted the same style, is more than probable, as we find Kaikeyī in the *Rāmāyaṇa*