868 Notes of a journey to Girndr. [Oct. 



The two side entrances, which are at some height from the ground, were 

 gained by flights of steps : of these latter the remains only are to be 

 traced. The whole space, for a considerable distance around the temple, 

 is occupied by portions of pillars, stones, and fragments of the original 

 building. Such is a brief sketch of the present appearance of the 

 renowned Somndth, which notwithstanding Mahmu'd's intolerant spoli- 

 ation, must still prove an object of great interest to the lover of Indian 

 antiquities*. I must not omit to mention, as a proof of the wonderful 

 solidity of this structure, that within a few years its roof was used as a 

 battery for some heavy pieces of ordnance, with which the neighbouring 

 port of Verawul, was defended from the pirates who formerly infested 

 this coast. 



Without pretending to an accurate knowledge of the peculiar fea- 

 tures, distinguishing the Buddhistical and Jain from Hindu sanctuaries, 

 my impression, founded simply upon observation, is, that the Somndth 

 was originally a Buddhist templef, afterwards appropriated to the 

 worship of Siva ; and probably thus found by Mahmu'd, at the period 

 of its capture. In confirmation of the Linga having at some period 

 received adoration here, I observed two Nandis outside amongst the 

 ruins : but in its style of architecture and ornament, (particularly the 

 male and female figures,) it is in vain to look for any Hindu features, 

 whilst in all points it agrees most accurately with the Buddhistical ; 

 As Dr. Wilson has visited the Somndth, his learning and research in 

 these matters will enable him, if necessary, to judge of the correctness 

 or otherwise of the above remark, which I make with all deference. 

 The modern Somndth, erected by the famous Ahlya Bhae, is in the 

 immediate vicinity of the ancient one, but I had not time to inspect it, 

 as my good friend the jemadar had promised to shew me some 

 curiosities outside the city. On passing through the gate to the east- 

 ward, my attention was directed to a stone tablet, about two feet square, 

 in the wall to the right. It contained a closely written inscription in 

 the Deva Nagri character, and in the Sanskrit language ; leaving 

 my pandit to copy this;};, I proceeded on my way. 



the interior of the building, may have been added to it after its capture. In the pre- 

 sent appearance of the Somndth, it differs widely from Ferishtah's description, and 

 these peculiar features, are completely Muhammadan. As Bin Cassim when he 

 conquered Sindh, is said to have turned the temples of the idolaters, into places of 

 prayer for the true believers ; so the conqueror of Pattan may have shewn his detes- 

 tation of the idolatry of the Somndth, by attempting to obliterate all traces of the 

 original character of the building. 



* Dimensions of the Somndth temple. Extreme length inside not including the 

 small chamber or sanctum, 96 feet ; extreme width, 68 feet : extreme height, 283 feet. 



•f The Somndth is known to the Jains under the title of Chandar Prabus. 



X This has been forwarded to Calcutta for interpretation. 



