1835.] Description of the Bakhra column. 129 



advantage to build a temple on the south end of the ruins, which 

 appears about half finished. The mound and fort are no doubt coe- 

 val with each other, and of considerable antiquity, for no tradition 

 exists, that can be depended upon concerning- their origin. 



At 9 h , arrived at a remarkable pillar, and heaps of brick rubbish. 

 This superb monument is the only remains of former grandeur, that 

 has escaped the ravages of time, owing to the solidity of its structure. 

 The smooth polished shaft is an immense solid block of a small grain- 

 ed, reddish coloured sandstone, surmounted by a singular and beau, 

 tiful sculptured capital, on which rests a square tabular block, support- 

 ing a well sculptured lion in a sitting posture, of the same material. 

 This pillar seems to have no pedestal, though from the soft and allu- 

 vial nature of the ground, on which it stands, it is reasonable to sup- 

 pose, that it must have sunk and buried itself deep in the soil*. If a 

 part of the earth was removed by digging round the present base, its 

 pedestal might be discovered, and its real height accurately determin- 

 ed. It is also probable, that if it ever had a pedestal, an inscription 

 might be found, which would throw light on its present obscure his- 

 tory : I have no doubt but it is anterior to the mounds of brick rub- 

 bish by which it is surrounded, and which extends for the space of 

 several square miles in all directions. The numerous magnificent 

 (though old) tanks, amounting to about 50 in number, large and small, 

 strengthen the general opinion that this place is the site of a large 

 city, at a remote period inhabited by a numerous and civilized weal- 

 thy people. I found the dimensions of this pillar to be as follows : 



Length of shaft, 26 feet 



From the top of the shaft to the top of the lion's head, 6 do. 



Total height, 32 do. 



Circumference of shaft, four feet from the ground, 12 do. 



Such are the present dimensions, but I have no doubt but half its 

 height is at present buried in the ground. 



The sculpture is better than the Egyptian, and the general appear- 

 ance striking and good. On the shaft are cut the names of a number 

 of Europeans who had from time to time visited the spot. The 

 native name for the pillars is Bhim Sinh ka Lattea, Ldth, or Gadd ; 

 literally, Bhim Sinh's walking stick. The following tradition is 

 prevalent amongst the natives of Bassar and Bakhra, I had it told me 

 by several, without deviation. 



" Two thousand years ago lived Bhim Sinh the great. The pillar was used by 

 him as a walking stick, by which he supported himself when carrying a large tree 



* Mr. Rattray informs me that an excavation was once made to its base, 

 but no inscription was discovered. — Ed. 

 S 



