1843.] The Somnath Gates, 75 



The wood is extremely dry and brittle, and the greatest care is requisite 

 to guard against the more delicate portions of the work being even 

 touched. The gates are not heavy ; they do not probably exceed 5001b. 

 in weight, and we estimate the entire weight of the gates and framing 

 at less than half a ton ; but their surface is great compared with the 

 scantling of the frame-work, and the swaying motion of the elephant, 

 and the necessity that would exist for daily loading and unloading the 

 animal, could scarcely fail to open the joints and dislodge the frailer 

 portions of the work, however carefully secured. 



We would therefore respectfully suggest, that a car with a double 

 framing between which the gates should be placed, and to which they 

 should be secured by wedges well padded, measures being taken to 

 prevent the entire weight of the gates falling on any portion of their 

 own frame-work, might be expediently prepared at Ferozepore to 

 receive them, such car being adapted to elephant draft. But the gates 

 alone should, we think, be thus carried, the framing being transported 

 to its destination packed as (with the gates) it is at present in felts 

 and tarpaulins. In any case, we would recommend that on their arrival 

 at Ferozepore, both the gates and framing should be carefully examin- 

 ed, and some strengthening by ties and braces given to the slighter 

 portions, to guard, as far as possible, against the chance of small pieces 

 becoming dislodged, and perhaps lost on the road. 



In examining on this occasion the framing surrounding the gates, 

 the Committee observed a Cufic inscription carved in the wood, with a 

 copy and translation of which appended to our report, we have been 

 furnished by Major Rawlinson. We think that it will give an interest 

 to this document, if we attach to it a translation of the inscription on 

 Mahmood's tomb, with which we have been favored by the same dis- 

 tinguished orientalist. Lieut. Studdart has also enabled us to annex 

 a drawing of the sarcophagus, with an exact copy of the Cufic inscrip- 

 tion thereon. 



(Signed) Edwd. Sanders, Major, Eng. and Presdt. 

 ,, C. Blood, Capt. Bombay Art. and Mem. 



,, John Studdart, Bombay Eng. and Mem. 



„ C. F. ^North, Lieut. Bombay Eng. and 



Member. 



