184/.] On the route of Fa-hian through Behar. 961 



" Guddeh-dwar," a narrow passage between scarped rocks which had 

 in former times been enclosed by an immense wall of loose nibble ; 

 this gorge opens out into the plain with high, barren, rocky hills, on 

 either side, forming the easternmost of the Rajgriha cluster and range : 

 the one to the left or north being that on which Jarasindha's tower 

 stands with other ruins already described under the head of Girryeck. 

 The distance travelled will have been close upon " fifteen li" or 

 about seven and a half miles as stated by our pilgrim : passing through 

 the gorge and about half way up the steep face of the north hill under 

 Girryeck, two caverns appear facing the south, and over one is a curious 

 cleft in the rock which would seem to answer Fa-Hian's description, 

 except his distances, up to, and between the caves, nor are there other 

 caves or grottos, nor the throne of the previous Buddhas. However, it is 

 possible that these caves have a northern entrance ; for the largest 

 which is alone accessible, has a passage apparently cut through the 

 hill, which I was unable to penetrate, not only owing to fatigue and 

 blistered feet, but it would be requisite to be provided with chloride 

 of lime, torches and other precautions to enable a party to explore it. 

 I think it would be found to open out opposite the highest peak south 

 of Jarasindha's tower ; this peak is surmounted by either a terrace or the 

 remains of a Dagope, which may be the very " throne" alluded to by 

 Fa-Hian, as its distance from the path below would answer that given : 

 I think then we may fairly decide that these caves are the identical 

 ones described by him, there are small cavities here and there which 

 may have been used by anchorites but not several hundreds. By " stone 

 grottos," may be meant small habitations made of stones piled together ; 

 indeed I think it more than probable, that the whole of these hills were 

 inhabited by " rishis" or devotees, the name " Tupobun" itself implies 

 it, being a corruption of "Tupissia" and " Vana" or forest of devotion. 



There are some more hot springs beneath the southern side of these 

 easternmost hills, and about five miles further south in the plains is a 

 spot (a tank) still visited and held sacred by the Jains. 



As to the name " Gridhra-kuta" the present one of " Guddeh 

 dwar" may be a corruption of " Gridha dwara :" vultures swarm alike 

 on all the ragged peaks and particularly on these. 



Chap. XXXI. " Thence proceeding to the west four yeou yarn you 

 come to Kia-ye. This town also is completely deserted." 



