The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c18.42

v2.c18.42

The following is Mr. Fergusson's description of this magnificent roof : ‘The roof, which in height is about equal to the width of the temple, or sixty feet, is likewise divided into four compartments, the two lowest of which are composed of six projecting cornices, separated by a deeply recessed compartment containing sculpture as large as life ; while all the faces of these twelve cornices are covered by bassi-rilievi of processions, hunting and battle scenes and representations of all the occupations and amusements of life. The immense variety of illustrations of Hindu manners contained in it may be imagined when we think that, with a height of from one foot to eighteen inches, the frieze extends to nearly three thousand feet in length, and contains, probably, at least twice that number of figures. The upper of the three compartments has only five cornices, and none of their faces are sculptured. The whole is crowned by the lotus-shaped dominical ornament, as is universally the case but which is here of a singularly elegant form. Were such a roof as this placed over a colonnade or on a wall much cut up with openings, it would, no doubt, be overpoweringly heavy ; but placed as it is on a solid wall, with only one opening on each face, and that so deeply recessed, I scarcely know one so singularly appropriate and elegant ; and the play of light and shade from its bold and varied projections and intervening shadows give it a brilliant and sparkling effect that, I confess, I have almost never seen equalled’¹².