The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.138

v1.c9.138

‘The above measurements were taken with a common tape without any reference to the principle followed by artists in the calculation of the relative proportions of the different parts of the human figure. They disclose, however, some curious facts: thus, omitting the top-knot formed of a collection of hair on the crown of the head, we find that the total length of the figure (7 feet) is to the head (12½ inches), as 6·72 to 1 or in the language of artists 6 heads, 3 parts, 9 minutes, instead of the usual standard of 8 to 1, and also considerably under that of the antique statues. In the Hercules, the Apollo, and the Laocoon, the length of the body varies from 7 heads, 2 parts, 3 minutes to 7 heads, 3 parts, 7 minutes. The tallest statue known is that of Mirmillo, and it measures 8 heads. The length of the fathom, again, which, in Europe is reckoned to be the same as the height, is in our statue fully one-third more. This is owing, no doubt, to the belief common in India that the simian peculiarity of the hands reaching down to the knees is an emblem of divinity and universal sovereignty. It is worthy of note, however, that in a table published by Dr. Emil Schlagintweit in his recent work on Tibetan Buddhism, the fathom of Brāhmaṇs of Upper India is represented to be greater than the length of their body, and the Bhots have the same peculiarity in a greater degree. It is remarkable also that the latter make Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have shorter fathoms than their [ 64 ] genii and dragsheds. The increase in the fathom is effected by an inordinate prolongation of the hands, leaving the arm and forearm less than their natural proportions as compared to those of Indian Brāhmaṇs, of Bhots, and of Bhotanese idols; but somewhat longer than the European standard of 1 head, 2 parts, and 3 minutes to the arm, and 1 head, 1 part, and 2 minutes to the forearm. The foot, according to modern artists, should be one-sixth of the body, but in the statue this has been exceeded by a few minutes. The torso is slightly shorter than the Grecian standard. The artist had evidently adopted the tall North Indian, and not the squat Bhot for his model.'⁵⁶ The proportions of Kārtikeya in the Great Tower are as follows :—