The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.181

v1.c9.181

6th.—The last argument appears at first sight to be a very strong one; the Hindus were never very fond of *tazzas*, and such a vessel at once suggests the idea of the Greeks and the Romans. But a careful examination of the bowl of the vessel (the stem is not visible) does not show the argument to be quite conclusive. A shallow patera-like basin for a fountain is by no means thoroughly un-Indian. The people of this country have always been fond of fountains, and frequent mention is made of such *jets d'eau*, in ancient Sanskrit works; and the so-called *tazza* may very well be taken for the base of an unfinished fountain. The piece of sculpture is too large and heavy for a receptacle for wine; it could not be moved about without the aid of several persons, levers, and cordage; and few would like to keep wine in an open shallow vessel of the kind made of a porous stone which would absorb the whole of its contents in a few hours. Taking these circumstances into consideration those who deny the Greek character of the sculpture may urge that it was intended for an ornament for a garden, or a bower, to be kept permanently fixed in an open place, and as such, it would best serve the purposes of a fountain.