The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.93

v2.c17.93

**The Great Tower :**—Abutting the Mohan on the west side stands the Great Tower. Its ground-plot is of the same dimensions as that of the Porch, except as regards the central projections which on the north and the south sides are broader, and on the west narrower, than those of the latter. The plinth is modelled into a series of pitchers as shown at the base of the pilaster figured on plate IV of Volume I (Fig 6), and thereupon rises a series of pilasters so as to divide the surface of the body into a number of niches of the same character as on the Porch. Each projection has a central large niche, with small ones above and on the sides. These niches give the appearance of a three-storeyed building to the facade. The recesses also have niches, but not nearly so elaborate, nor flanked with side pilasters. The lower niches on the central projection of each side is the largest and grandest. Its side pilaster is shown on Plate IV, Vol. I. The niche is deep, and forms the resting-place for a large statue slightly taller than life size. On the north side the statue is that of Bhagavatī, the spouse of the presiding divinity of the Tower (See Vol. I, plate XIX, fig. 142), on the west that of Kārtika, his eldest son (Vol I, Plate XIX, fig. 63), and on the south that of Gaṇeśa, his second born (Vol I, Plate XVIII, fig. 61). For the protection of these figures from the weather, an open pavilion has been built in front of each; but these structures are of a much later date, and not at all in keeping with the style of the Tower. They are ugly in shape, totally devoid of ornaments, and serve only to intercept the view of the majestic edifice before which they stand.