'2~'2 Notes on the Viharas and Chatty as of Behar. [March, 



the form of a black flattish grain, bearing the pure metal slightly cor- 

 roded. It occurs here, but more commonly at Ekaterinburgh. Not 

 having witnessed the search for it, the particulars are less fresh in my 

 recollection. I was told that it was found under much the same 

 circumstances. Platinum coin is commonly current in Russia for 

 about half the value of the same weight in gold, although it can be 

 obtained cheaper. Of course the circulation is limited to the Russian 

 Empire. But the extent of this is so great that not much inconveni- 

 ence accrues. 



Notes on the Viharas and Chaityas of Behar, by Capt. M. Kittoe, 



6th Regt. N. I. 



The perusal of notices on the Buddhist annals by Hodgeson and Tur- 

 nour, and of the inscriptions so ably translated by Prinsep, as well as 

 my own observation of the many curious things I have occasionally met 

 with, particularly in the vicinity of Gyah, have afforded me much room 

 for reflection and speculation. 



Although no benefit to science may be derived by search for, or dis- 

 covery of, the ruins or sites of the 18 Viharas mentioned in the Pali 

 Buddhistical annals of Ceylon, nor of the 83,000 Chaityas which the 

 Burmese believe to have been built by Asoka, still our interest or curiosi- 

 ty is excited in the search, and if successful in any degree, it must be 

 admitted that a greater value becomes attached to these records than 

 they might otherwise seem to deserve. 



Partial success increases our desire, and in following out one research, 

 others suggest themselves, light is thrown on what formerly seemed 

 darkness, truth on that which appeared but childish fable, and when 

 such is the case, it must be accorded that history has gained a prize, 

 hence it is that antiquarian research is not altogether an useless or 

 idle one, it becomes interesting and instructive ; acting upon this reason- 

 ing, I have taken advantage of my leisure after two years' hard though 

 ill-requited labour in an official sphere, to drown unpleasant reflections 

 thereon by resuming a study I had been obliged entirely to sacrifice to 

 the calls of duty, and great will be my gratification if the result of my 



