1895.] Mrs. H. Gr. M. M array- Aynsley — Remains in Kashmir. 3 



distinct trench three inches and a half in width. Within this area, 

 scattered over the surface, are numerous depressions (so called cup- 

 markings), more or less carefully made, and similar to those hollowed 

 stones which if found in Brittany, in the Island of Guernsey, in 

 Cornwall, Scotland or Ireland, would be styled pre-historic cup-mark- 

 ings. Four of these depressions are of considerable size, being at least 

 three inches in diameter and two inches in depth, and remarkably well 

 defined. There are also several smaller cup-marks, some not so deep or 

 so distinct as the others. The natives on the spot, say that this stone 

 is old, old, centuries old ; that it has never been used for any purpose by 

 either themselves or their progenitors, so far as their traditions carry 

 them ; though they appeared to regard it with a kind of veneration as 

 an object whose use and origin was unknown to them. Indeed its 

 character and general appearance would seem to point to an earlier 

 stage of civilization than any remains we have ever yet seen in Kashmir. 



Some interesting and most curious relics of a past age in Kashmir, 

 belonging probably to some of the earlier civilized races inhabiting that 

 country, have recently been discovered in a valley between two spurs of 

 a mountain rising up from the East end of the Bal or city lake, and 

 situated four or five miles from Sirinagar. 



These remains have not as yet been properly excavated or examined 

 by experts, and it is therefore impossible at present to give any complete 

 description of them. Suffice it to say, that what has already been un- 

 covered consists of a portion of a circular pavement composed of 

 unglazed terra cotta tiles of large size. This pavement has been described 

 as being about 20 feet in diameter, each tile having a raised design of 

 some animal or animals upon it. I was favoured with a sight of the 

 only two tiles which had been brought into Sirinagar, and herewith 

 enclose faithful copies (original size) of the designs upon them, executed 

 by a friend who is a clever draughtswoman. The material is rough, and 

 the execution rude, but the attitude of the two game cocks is remarkably 

 spirited. I would venture to call attention to the resemblance which the 

 flower between these two birds (repeated also on other portions of the 

 design), bears to the flower of the Campa or Campak tree, so common 

 in Southern India, but unknown in the Panjab and in Kashmir. Cock- 

 fighting is still a favorite amusement with the Kashmiris. I need 

 hardly add that I should be much gratified and interested by being the 

 recipient of any decision which your Society may arrive at respecting 

 these objects. 



