82 Ancient Remains at Saidjmr and Bhitdri. [No. 2, 



stone ornamented with a lotus blossom. Each corner stone also 

 exhibits this flower in relief. The existence of the original eaves 

 stone on portions of three sides of this structure, is sufficient proof 

 that it could not have been any larger than it is at present ; but the 

 great strength of the supports above alluded to, would appear to 

 indicate that it once possessed a second or even a third story. Upon 

 the roof is a diminutive chamber of comparatively modern construc- 

 tion, sustained by four ancient pillars. The shafts are octagonal, and 

 the capitals and rounded bases are richly carved with the bell and 

 leaf pattern. These pillars have been doubtless taken from old build- 

 ings which were formerly situated in this neighbourhood. 



We are of opinion that these two edifices were separate chaityas 

 attached to a vihar or monastery, traces of which, owing to the short 

 time at our disposal, we did not attempt to discover. The preservation 

 of these interesting remains is to be attributed to the circumstance 

 of a Mahomedan faqir named Sheikh Samman having taken up his 

 abode in one of them, and having been buried in it at his death. 

 The second chaitya contains the tomb of Makhdum Sah. It would 

 be worth the while for any one having time at his disposal to explore 

 thoroughly this locality, which abounds with Mahomedan tombs, 

 some of which, it may reasonably be supposed, have been constructed 

 with stone taken from the usual Mussalman quarries of Hindu and 

 Buddhist remains. 



BHITAHL 



This village is situated on the Gangi river, an affluent of the 

 Granges, and is called Saidpur-Bhitari, from which Rajah Deo 

 Narain Singh, late member of the Legislative Council of India, 

 derives his title. Its appearance in the distance is that of a long low 

 mound, which, on nearer approach, displays a reddish hue on account 

 of the large quantity of brick rubbish entering into its composition. 

 In form it is nearly rectangular, the measurement of its four sides 

 being as follows : — ■ 



East Face, 500 yards. 



South ditto, 525 ditto. 



West ditto, 685 ditto. 



North ditto, 700 ditto. 



