The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.190

v1.c9.190

Of “Power” the third lamp, by which massiveness as an element of architectural effect is indicated, enough has already been said in the preceding pages (pp. [35], [41] ). There certainly does not exist in the massiveness of Orissan temples that nakedness which removes the pyramids from the pale of architecture as a fine art; but it is not the less remarkable. The first impression that the sight of an Orissan temple produces is its extreme solidity. No part of its construction appears weak, or insecure, or liable to be easily injured. As the visible abode of Sempiternal Divinity, it is expressly designed to typify, or symbolize, to man, the idea of eternity, defiant alike of time and of the tremendous elemental commotions of the tropics. If its parts are subdivided, or rather diversified, it is not to subdue the spirit of power, but to temper it with beauty; and I have no reason to suspect that those Europeans, who have studied ancient Indian temples, will for a moment be disposed to side with Mr. Gwilt, and take them to be emblems of littleness. At any rate, in Indians they inspire feelings of unity, solidity, beauty, and grandeur, the very reverse of what the critic named is inclined to think.