I 3S7 J 



Hie ancient Brahmens, avoided the contamination 

 of cities, and affected the purity and simplicity of 

 rural retirement; when far removed from observation, 

 the imagination of their disciples probably enhanced 

 the merits of their sanctity. To alleviate austerities, 

 and to gratify the devout propensities of these holy 

 men, naturally became objects of pious emulation. 

 Under this influence, the munificence of princes 

 may have been engaged to provide tliem retreats, 

 which sanctified by tlie symbols of their adoration, 

 were at once suited, in simplicity and seclusion, to 

 those, for whom they were intended, and in gran- 

 deur to the magnificence of their founders. Thus 

 power and wealth may Iiave been combined, under the 

 guidance of enthusiasm, to produce monuments, 

 scarce less extraordinary or less permanent, tliough 

 less conspicuous and less kno^^Ti, than the pyramids. 



But though the high antiquity of the generality 

 of these excavations is incont'overtible, being lost in 

 fable, and vulgarly ascribed to the preti^rnaturai power 

 of the five Pandoo brothers ; yet are there exceptions, 

 of which I saw an instance in a hill near a garden 

 in the neighbourhood of Anru)i<j:abad, where tliere 

 are two excav^ations, but of inconsiderable dimensions, 

 formed, as 1 was credibly assured, by raja Pauk Si \ c, 

 one of the Rajpoot Ameers of Auringzebf/s court, 

 as a place of retirement, during his attendance on 

 that monarch in his excursions to the neighbouring 

 garden. 



Begging your excuse for this trouble, 

 I remain, dear Sir, 

 Your most obedient humDle servant, 



C. W. MALET. 

 PooNAH, ^2d December, 1794. 



C c 2 DESCRIPTION 



