2IO G A N G E T ] C II I N D O O S T A N. 



each admirable. The whole front of the gateway is carved 

 with rofes and variety of ornaments, all chatte and elegant, the 

 marks of the great genius of the architecft. 



BsN'AREs. Benares ftands about feventeen miles from Chimar^ on the 



north fule of the river, in form of a crefcent ; a fine city, rich 

 and pojiulous, and regularly built. The ftreets are narrow, 

 but the houfes, for Indian houfes, very high, many confifting of 

 five (lories each ; like thofe in Edinburgh inhabited by different 

 families, but the more wealthy live in detached houfes, with 

 open courts furrounded by a wall. 



Lv the middle of the city is a great mofque, with two mina- 

 rets. It was built by that famous bigot Aurengzebe., who de- 

 ftroyed a magnificent pagoda on the fpot, and built the prefent 

 mofque of the fame extent and height as the building which he 

 deftroyed. In all parts of this city, and along the banks of the 

 Ganges, are remains of Hindoo temples, this being the great feat 

 of their religion. All thefe pagodas have gauts or flights of 

 Iteps from the water fide, which give the banks a moft magni- 



The Gelsi ficent appearance. The Gelfi Gaiit makes a moft ftriking fight. 



Stairs.*^^^ T^^^ turret and two pavilions are built over the river for the 



enjoyment of the frefli air, and all this at private expence, for 

 no other than that benevolent and public fpirited end. 



Rhamnacur. I IMAGINE that Mr. DanieWs plate XIV. of the fort and town 



of Rbamnagur, built over the Ganges, by Bulwint Sing, father of 

 Cb'eyt Sing, was more defigned for a palace than a fortrefs ; per- 

 haps for both, as perfons of their turbulent difpofition might 

 forefee the neceflity of both. The lower part feems for defence : 

 the upper has all the appearance of a vaft houfe adapted to the 

 climate of Hindoo/ian. 



8 In 



