The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c5.3

v1.c5.3

With a view to avoid repetitions and references to fragmentary remarks interspersed under different heads, the work has been divided into two parts; the first comprising general observations on the nature and character of the objects noticed; and the second, detailed descriptions of those objects; the former embracing only those characters which are common to particular classes, and the latter the peculiarities of individual relics. Thus, in the Introduction, an attempt has been made to put together the information available regarding Orissa in ancient authors, reserving notices of particular localities for treatment under their respective heads; so in the first Chapter, the history of Indian architecture has been discussed without reference to the dates of the different caves and temples which constitute the principal subjects of description. In the second Chapter I have given a brief summary of the general principles of Orissan temple architecture, apart from special characteristics of any particular temple. The third has for its subject sculpture and architectural ornamentation, so far as the same can be illustrated from objects now extant. In the fourth I have attempted a sketch of the social condition of the temple-builders of Orissa from their sculptural decorations. The fifth Chapter comprises an outline of the history of the several systems of religion which have influenced the growth of Orissan art.