1840.] The Hodhum (improperly called Kolehan), 709 



formed a long water chaussee, or avenue, leading to the Kurkye river, 

 which is not above half a mile off. No traces of paths or buildings 

 or artificially planted trees were here discernible. Absurd stories are 

 told of the fatal effects of the water on man and beast, by the 

 Bhoomijes, who are the exorcisers of unclean spirits in the jungles, 

 and the spot is carefully avoided by the superstitious Koles. I visited 

 the " Soormee Doormee''' while laying down the boundary in 1838- 

 1839 ; we had great difficulty in forcing our way through the dense 

 jungle, not the trace of a path existing, and I verily believe we were 

 the first party, for many generations, who had intruded on this abode 

 of utter silence and seclusion. There were fine fish swimming in the 

 water, and the traces of deer in numbers round the bank, as they come 

 nightly to drink there. It was with difficulty however I could prevail 

 on a few to follow my example in taking a draught from the pool. 



In none of these places could I perceive inscriptions of any kind, 

 and I cannot here avoid expressing a regret, that my ignorance 

 of Indian antiquities prevented my throwing any light on the history 

 of these truly interesting, relics ; — Interesting, as being situated 

 in such unknown wilds, as indices of the entire revolution that has 

 taken place in the political history of the country, and as proofs of 

 these untrodden jungles having once been the seat of opulence, indus- 

 try, and power, so utterly decayed, so long departed, as not to have 

 left a record behind. 



( To he continued.) 



Note. — Although it is very improbable that any of our readers should 

 be enabled to visit the Hodesum, with sufficient time at their disposal 

 to examine closely, and carefully, the ruins at Kiching, and Lalgurhpeer, 

 I cannot help requesting particular attention to Lieut. Tickell's notice of 

 these interesting remains, with a view to our procuring at some future 

 time a more detailed account of them. The best thanks of all interested 

 in the study of Indian History, are due to the author of the excellent 

 paper now -under publication, for his having (I believe I am right in 

 saying) discovered in the wilds of the trackless forests of Chootia Nagpore, 

 these singular traces of a people, and a power, whose name lives hardly 

 preserved by even local tradition. His ample, and able statistical 

 account of Hodesum is of real utility, and we must acknowledge that he 

 has done well in foregoing a possibly fruitless search for antiquarian 

 remains, which would necessarily have diverted his attention from more 



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