Early History of Orissa

SR No.: 006922
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Amarchand Mittal
Publisher: Jain Cultural Research Society
Publication Year: 1957
Total Pages: 506
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

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AN EARLY HISTORY OF ORISSA
the Tiger Caye is a fanciful production indicative of somewhat morbid imagination. Carved out of a shoulder of the rock projecting from the hill-side, the exterior is shaped like the mask of a tiger, the ante chamber simulating the gaping mount, and the cell door within this, the gullet. On the door jambs, which slope inwards are pilasters with winged creatures as capitals and pots for bases. The interior consists of a room only 3} ft. high, but some 6 ft. deep and nearly 8 ft. wide. Over the doorway is an inscription stating that it was the abode of an anchorite named Sabhuti, who, reclining in this narrow cell resembling a tiger's maw, seems to have passed his life literally in the jaws of death.
The Serpent Cave
The other is the Sarpa Gumphā or the Serpent Cave. It faces towards east. It derives its name from the circumstance of the rock over the verandah being carved to resemble the head of a serpent with three hoods. It consists of a small single cell. It was got excavated by two persons named Karma and Hālakshina, probably, husband and wife.
Serpent is an emblem of Pārsva, and this cave too may be ascribed to him.
There are many other small caves, but of little importance.
(A)
State of Sculpture and Architecture
The architects of Orissa had attained considerable excellence at the time when these rock-dwellings were excavated. The friezes we meet here are not the results of first essays at sculpture---mere outlines of a symbolic