The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c18.52

v2.c18.52

When the side pilasters were *in situ* the frame was separated from them by an interval of about a foot and a half, which was left plain. This arrangement brought out the carvings in good relief and by marked contrast produced excellent artistic effect. The sides of the entrance were also perfectly plain, the large polished chlorite slabs with which they are lined producing a much better effect than any carved work could do. The slabs have now been defaced by the vandalism of European visitors,—mostly civil and military officers who have from time to time held charge of the districts of Puri and Cuttack,—who have purchased cheap immortality by scratching their names thereon with pen knives or other iron instruments. To the honour of the learned historian of Orissa, I must, however, add that Mr. Stirling's name does not appear on the slabs.