Oct. 1844.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. cvii 



inclined to think they may have been painted when it was first laid on, and conse- 

 quently moist ; but I do not think it could have been done on the modern plan of 

 painting each day all the plaster laid on that day." 



From the remarks above quoted, as well as from the personal knowledge of several 

 Members of the Royal Asiatic Society, no doubts remain that the Caves of Ajunta 

 contain unique specimens of Hindoo painting of an age anterior to the Christian era, 

 and it is equally certain that time, and the use made of these places by faquirs and 

 others, Mahomedan and Hindoo, are gradually destroying their beauty, and will soon 

 obliterate every trace of those remains which are valuable, not only as specimens 

 of early art, but as exhibiting the figures and habits of races long passed away, and 

 important therefore, as illustrative of the early history of India. 



The Royal Asiatic Society are anxious that before any further destruction of these 

 singular paintings shall be effected, means may be taken to have faithful copies of 

 them made, which they would gladly publish in their Journal, and the Council have 

 directed me to lay the subject before the Honourable Court, with the expression of 

 their earnest desire and hope, that instructions may be sent to the proper authorities 

 in India, to employ some Officer in their service, as early as the opportunity shall 

 present itself, to take such copies of them as may preserve the remembrance of these 

 most curious and valuable remains of ancient art. I have the honour to be, &c. 



(Signed^) R. Clarke, Honorary Secretary* 

 (True Copies,) (Signed) T. R. Davidson, 



Ofg. Secretary to the Government of India. 



Circular from the Under-Secretary to the Government of Bengal, to Civil Authorities. 



Dated Fort William, September, 1844. 

 Sin, — I am directed by the Deputy Governor of Bengal to forward the annexed 

 copy of Correspondence noted in the margin,* and with reference to the wishes of 

 the Honourable Court of Directors therein expressed, to request that you will 



report whether any Cave Temples, or other antiquities exist in the . under 



your charge ; and if so, that you will suggest means for preserving them from 

 injury or decay. 



2. You will of course understand, that the latter instruction only applies to such 

 temples or buildings as are no longer used as places of worship, and have no respon- 

 sible guardian appointed for their preservation. You will be careful likewise to 

 explain the object of any researches or enquiries you may institute, in consequence of 

 these orders, so as to prevent any misconception regarding them, on the part of 

 the native community. I have the honour to be, &c. 



(Signed) A.Turnbull, 

 Under-Secretary to the Government of' Bengal. 

 (True Copies,) A. Turnbull, 



Under-Secretary to the Government of Bengal. 



* Dispatch No, 15, of £9th May 1844, from the Honourable the Court of Directors with Enclosures. 



