1879.] V. A. Smith — Observations on some Chandel Antiquities. 289 



The form of the figure 5 in this inscription is almost the same as that 

 employed in the Khajuraho inscription dated 1056. 



Madana Varmma evidently enjoyed a long reign, as is shown by his 

 numerous inscriptions. 



At the Gulawar Khera, in the north of Mauza Chhikahra, Pargana 

 Mahoba, a sandstone figure of Debi, found some years ago in a well, bears 

 the following inscription (Plate XVI) in clearly cut characters — 



" Thakkura Sri Gangakena Devi Karayitam. 

 " Samvat 1166." 



No Raja's name is mentioned, but the year 1166 probably fell in the 

 reign of Prithivi Varmma. 



The people believe that in its palmy days Mahoba included 52 towns 

 or bazars, one of them being Gulawar Khera. The latter was certainly the 

 site of a considerable settlement, for the marks of foundations of buildings 

 extend for about a mile. There are the ruins here of three small granite 

 shrines, and a fourth is said to have formerly existed. 



The popular tradition about the 52 bazars perhaps indicates that 

 Mahoba was the chief town in a Bdoni or pargana of 52 towns and vil- 

 lages. 



The drought this year has also brought to light a sixth life-size sand- 

 stone elephant at the ruined temple known as Madari, (near the standing 

 Kakra Marh temple*) in the Madan Sagar at Mahoba, where General 

 Cunningham saw only five. 



We cannot accept his suggestion that these huge statues were ever 

 " projected in mid air" from the spires, but from their size and present 

 position it is quite plain that the alternative which he suggests is the true 

 one, and that they were erected in pairs at each of the three entrances to 

 the temple. 



The temple of Vis'vanath at Khajuraho has two half life-size elephants 

 standing near it on the ground, which may formerly have been placed at 

 the entrance. They are decidedly inferior in execution, as well as in size, 

 to the Mahoba elephants. 



Two others, still smaller, are lying in the field near the temple dedi- 

 cated to Siirya, to the entrance of which they probably served as an orna- 

 ment. 



On the temple of Vis'vanath several small elephants are to be seen 

 projecting from the angles of the roof. Originally they seem to have been 



* The name Kakra Marh is said to refer to the worship of Siva (Arch. Rep. II, 

 442). A ruined temple at Salat about 9 miles west of Mahoba, close to which Jain 

 images of the 12th century A. D. have been found is also known as Kakra Marh. 



