1865.] Ancient Remains at Saidpur and Bhitdri. 85 



found that the base was 3 inches off the foundation-stone on the south 



side, (Vide woodcut in themorgin) ; 

 that there were two iron wedges 

 driven under as indicated ; and that 

 at some remote period, stone-work 

 of a massive character had been 

 placed around to prevent further 

 declension. I then cleared the mound away which abutted on the 

 column, hoping to find some traces of foundations at least, of the 

 building to which the monolith may have formed an adjunct. This 

 mound rose from 10 to 12 feet, and extended some distance, and, as 

 far as I could ascertain by cutting a trench and levelling, consists 

 entirely of broken bricks and earth." 



There is no doubt that during the Buddhist period in India, several 

 temples and one or two monasteries flourished in Bhitari. In a moscpie 

 in the village, of modern erection, are thirty stone pillars, seven of them 

 being elaborately carved. These must have been taken from buildings 

 situated here in ancient times, for they present similar characteristics 

 to the columns of Buddhist shrines and monasteries, of which remains 

 are still found in Benares and elsewhere. In a small uncovered brick 

 enclosure we discovered several old sculptures, among them a rude 

 statue of Buddha in excellent preservation. The entire stone is 

 5 feet in height, but the figure measures only 2 feet 4 inches. 

 Buddha is seated in contemplation, and is devoid of ornament ; 

 and on the palm of his hand the chakra symbol is engraved. 

 He is attended by two chauri-bearers and two hinnaras oi* cherubs, 

 and is seated on asemircircle, below which are four diminutive figures, 

 two representing animals, and two Buddha. The statue has the 

 sacred corona encompassing the head, embellished on the upper part 

 with Indian-corn and leaves, and must have been a prominent object 

 in one of the temples formerly standing here. 



Of the other sculptured stones found at this spot, we will only 

 describe two. One of them exhibits the figure of a man seated on a 

 prancing ram, which may possibly be intended to illustrate one of the 

 signs of the Zodiac. The other is a small octagonal pillar in a niche, 

 and on either side of it is an erect human figure. In the middle of 

 the village is a well, by the mouth of which is a collection of old 



