Sculptures on the Rock Temples. ji^d"] 



one piece of rock, and with the most marvellously-executed 

 allegories. 



Among the reliefs on the north wall is perceived Donga, 

 Siva's wife, riding on a lion (according to the natives, on a 

 tiger), and bending her bow in conflict with Mahishasura, a 

 giant with the head of a buffalo, who brandishes a club. 



According to Elliot's interesting interpretation, this represents 

 the contest between the matronly Amazon and heroine, Donga, 

 the representative of active virtue, and the bull-headed Mahis- 

 hasura, the personification of brute strength and animal 

 passion. Over the head of either figure, a parasol, such as 

 is used by the natives, is outspread, giving a most grotesque 

 appearance to the group. 



The relief on the southern wall represents a sleeping Vishnu 

 (Rhanganatha), 9 J feet high, apparently representing the idea 

 of the Creation, as the serpent, Sescha, with its five heads, 

 encircles his head. At his feet one perceives two rajahs or 

 princes, and one female figure, in a praying attitude, with 



II H 2 



