﻿106 NARRATIVE OP A ROUTE 



ieefgur^ in profecuting the remainder of my route; I 

 conceived it more advifable to abandon the building, 

 and return to my camp; than to hazard any obftruc- 

 tion to my fulfilling with fuccefs the very arduous un- 

 dertaking I was engaged in. 



The Pundits vifited me again about noon, when a 

 converfation took place concerning the buildings, 

 and ruins, I had viiited in the early part of the day ; 

 which commenced with an account of feven Coonds, 

 (wells) over which, ihey faid, as many Deiuas prefide. 

 Bathing in ihem they confidercd as highly beneficial, 

 for thereby they imagine they receive an ablution 

 from fin. Thefe wells are fituated in and about Rid- 

 tunpour ; and from the fanclity attributed to them, the 

 place has been called a CoJTy. They related to me a 

 number of fables concerning demons, and giants, 

 who formerly inhabited thefe hills; one of whom, in 

 particular, they mentioned by the name of Gopaul 

 Row Palwan, a great wreltler, who lived in the 

 reign of the Emperor y\cBAR, and whole name is ftill 

 attached to a part of the hills on the north fide of 

 Rutiunpour. I'hey told me many extraordinary ftories 

 of his exploits, and feats of flrength and agility; 

 and added, that the Emperor Acbar, hearing of his 

 fame, had lent for him to Court, and that his Majelly 

 had been vaftly gratified by his wonderful perform- 

 ances. 



The Pundiis being about to take their leave; and 

 as my departure next morning would probablv pre- 

 vent our meeting again; I thought the liberal and 

 ready information they had given me, demanded fome 

 return; and, after making them a fuitable compenfa- 

 tion, I expreffed a wilh, that if they knew of any m- 

 fcriptions, or ancient legends, in or about Rutiunpour, 

 thev would favour me with copies of them. They de- 

 parted, promifiiig to comply with my wifhes, fo far 

 iS might lie in their power; and in the evening they 



lent 



