Ixxxvill Archeological Survey Report. 
of the shaft 19 feet 103 inches. The height of the capital, in its 
present incomplete state, is 4 feet 43 inches. The lower portion, 
which is 23 feet high, is bell-shaped, with circular bands of mould- 
ing both above and below. The bell itself is reeded, after the fashion 
of the Asoka pillars. Above this the capital is square, with a small 
niche on each side holding a naked standing figure. The square top 
slopes backward on all sides, and is surmounted by a low circular 
band, in which is fixed the metal spike already described. 
211. On the Western face of the square base there is a niche 
holding a naked standing figure, with very long arms reaching to 
his knees. Behind there is a large snake folded in horizontal coils, 
one above the other, and with its seven heads forming a canopy 
over the idol. Two small figures, male and female, are kneeling at the 
feet, and looking up to the idol with offerings in their hands. 
212. On the three northern faces of the octagonal portion of the 
pillar, there is an inscription of 12 lines in the Gupta characters of 
the Allahabad pillar. There is a good copy of this inscription in 
Buchanan’s Eastern India, Vol. 2, Plate V. and another and better 
copy in Prinsep’s Journal, Vol. 7, Plate I. In the translation given 
by James Prinsep, the date was read as being 133 years after the 
decease of Skanda Gupta, instead of in the year 133, after the death 
of Skanda. The true number of the year is 141, as pointed out by 
Professor Fitz-Edward Hall,but the epoch or era in which the years are 
reckoned is doubtful. Professor Hall, on the authority of Bapu Deva 
Sdstri, the learned astronomer of the Benares College, prefers the 
era of Vikramaditya, but I am inclined to adopt that of Saka; and 
this era, I believe, is also preferred by Mr. Thomas. The difference 
between the two is 1385 years. If dated in the Vikrama era the 
pillar must have been erected in 141—57=84 A. D. ; but if dated 
in the Saka era, the period of its erection will be 141+78=219 
A. D. The latter date I think accords best with the known epoch 
of the overthrow of the Gupta Dynasty in A. D. 319. 
213. The purport of the inscription as translated by Pzinsep is 
simply to record the dedication of five images of Indra by one Madra, 
who calls himself “the constant and friendly patron of Brahmans, 
Gurus, and Yatis,” or “ Brahmans, religious teachers, and sages,” or 
ascetics who have subdued their passions. In the present day the 
term Yati is, I believe, applied only to a Jain priest ; and although 
