1834.] Description of a Monument, near Bhilsd. 491 



At the east, west, and north points, are gate-ways, plain parallelograms, the ex- 

 treme height of each of which is 40 feet, and the breadth within the perpendicu- 

 lars, 9 feet. They all measure 20 feet to the lintels, which are slightly curved and 

 sculptured, with circlets of flowers. In the northern gate-way, which is the prin- 

 cipal one, the lintel rests on elephants, four feet in height, richly caparisoned, 

 borne by a projecting cornice, 16 feet from the case. The perpendiculars are di- 

 vided into four unequal compartments ; in the lower are statues of door-wardens 

 in long loose drapery, the left hand of each figure resting on the left side, and the 

 right grasping a battle-axe ; their head dresses are not unlike the matted-hair 

 tiara of Hindu devotees, with the top-knot thrown forward. 



The other divisions are filled as follows : In one is a groupe of females, some 

 sitting, others kneeling in homage to a tree and altar, their hands uplifted, and 

 faces towards the tree, their countenances bearing marks of extreme devotional 

 fervour. In another, the principal figure is a male, clothed in a long flowing gar- 

 ment, resembling a surplice, standing with joined hands, and in the act Oi adora- 

 tion to the tree and altar, which throughout the sculpture appear to be the objects 

 of veneration. This male figure is attended by females, some holding umbrellas 

 over his head, others using chowries ; above these, on a level with the top of 

 the tree, are small winged figures, making offerings in censers. 



The drapery throughout the groupe is generally, for the females, a long flow- 

 ing vest, resembling that which we observe in Grecian sculpture ; that of the males, 

 light lower garments from the navel as far as the middle of the thigh, tied with a 

 knot in front, and hanging down as low as the instep, as in the present Indian 

 mode of dressing. The upper part of the body is naked, without any mark of a 

 sacerdotal thread ; and, with a very few exceptions, the head dress is a high turban, 

 with plumes. 



In another compartment is a representation of the monument, surrounded by 

 figures in groupes, some standing, others sitting cross-legged, others bowing, all 

 with joined hands, and in the act of worship. On the monument, and resting on a 

 square pedestal, are three layers jutting out beyond each other, crowned by a lofty 

 umbrella, supported by small winged figures, naked, their hands joined, and heads 

 covered with numerous serpent hoods. 



On entering the different gate-ways, is seen a statue of Buddha, as large as life, 

 seated cross-legged on a throne, which is supported by lions couchant ; the back 

 of the image rests against the buttress, and has attendants on both sides using 

 chauris. All of these are much mutilated, and one is removed and thrown 

 across the area. 



The perpendiculars of the western gate-way, are also divided into four unequal 

 compartments ; in the lower are statues of door-keepers, one of whom is armed with 

 a mace : his head dress, a helmet, without visor or plumes ; another division is filled 

 •with groupes of figures sitting cross-legged, and standing, their hands joined, and 

 all paying high homage to the sacred tree and altar. In another is a small convex 

 body in a boat, the prow of which is a lion's head, and the stern the expanded tail 

 of a fish, over which is suspended a long cable. In the boat are three male figures, 

 two of whom are rowing, and the third holding an umbrella over the convex. The 

 vessel is in an open sea, in the midst of a tempest ; near it are figures swimming 

 and endeavouring by seizing piles, &c.to save themselves from sinking. One on the 

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