The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.29

v1.c9.29

**Pillars :** Looking at the beauty and elegance of these pillars and pilasters, it is difficult to account for the almost total absence among the Uriyās of a columnar ordinance, which seems never to have struck them. Once only they attempted it, when erecting the refectory of the Great Tower of Bhuvaneśvara; but they failed. The pillars they raised, proved too light and weak for the superstructure, and they had to fill up the intercolumnar spaces with solid masonry to secure additional strength. At Puri the Muktimaṇḍapa is an open pillared *chaultry*, but it is probably of a much later date than the temple near which it is placed; and, as it is, a most unsuccessful attempt at building a *chaultry*. Its pillars, though monoliths of black chlorite, are of an inordinately heavy appearance, having the most clumsy and ungainly bases and capitals (Illustration No. 10 B). They bear no relation to the ornamental attached pillars noticed above. The pillars used internally in porches and dancing halls, are invariably of a thick massive square make, all but totally devoid of ornament; the only decorations used being a few plain mouldings. They rise from a naked plinth, and terminate in a similar square tile or abacus, serving the purpose of a capital. The shaft measures from 3¾ lengths of the thickness. Considering that the attached pillars and pilasters are generally exceedingly beautiful and ornate, it is certainly remarkable that these detached internal pillars should be so bald and unattractive; but bearing in mind the heavy roofs they had to bear, the builders had to forego ornament for the sake of strength. The following are the relative proportions of some of the principal pillars that have come under observation:—