266 Essay on the Avian Order of Architecture. [Sept. 



tects. Thus the height of the Payach and Pandrethan temples, of the 

 Marttand and Avantipura cloistered recesses, and of the porch-pediments 

 and niches of Marttand itself, were all just double their respective 

 widths. This agreement in the relative proportions of my restored roof 

 of Marttand with those deduced from other examples, is a presumptive 

 proof of the correctness of my restoration. 



16. — The entrance-chamber and the wings I suppose to have been 

 also covered by similar pyramidal roofs. There would thus have been 

 four distinct pyramids, of which that over the inner chamber must have 

 been the loftiest, the height of its pinnacle above the ground being 

 about 75 feet. That of the entrance-chamber must have been about 65 

 feet, and that of each of the wings about 40 feet. If pyramidal tops be 

 added to the three buildings in Vigne's front view of this temple,* a 

 very good general idea of the original appearance of Marttand may be 

 readily obtained. 



17. — Such was once the grand mass of building dedicated to the wor- 

 ship of the Sun : a mass, 75 feet in height, 63 feet in length, and the 

 same in breadth, including the wings. The entrance was gained by a 

 wide flight of steps, which are now covered by ruins. On each of the 

 other sides was a closed doorway, surmounted by a trefoiled arch, and 

 covered by a pediment which rose to a height of 60 feet. At the angles 

 of the building on each side of the doorway were stout pilasters, which 

 were divided into panels, each decorated with a miniature representation 

 of the Arian style of temple. These pilasters sustained the entablature, 

 and gave a look of strength and solidity to the walls which was absolute- 

 ly required for the support of the vast and massive roof. This lofty 

 pyramid of stone was itself rendered lighter, and more elegant in appear- 

 ance by being broken into two distinct portions separated by an orna- 

 mental band, and by the addition of small niches with pointed roofs 

 and trefoiled recesses, all of which were in strict keeping with the gene- 

 ral character of the building. 



18. — The interior was equally imposing. On ascending the flight of 

 steps the votary of the Sun entered a highly decorated chamber, with a 

 doorway on each side covered by a pediment, with a trefoiled headed 

 niche containing a bust of the Hindu triad. This representation was 



* Kashmir, v. 1 — p, 388. 



