1847.] Notes on the Viharas and Chaityas of Behar. 275 



be the work of Asoka, though I think there is reason to assign even a 

 much earlier date to them. One of these formerly stood at Bukrower, 

 the site of another city, and of a Vihara directly opposite to Bodh 

 Gyah, likewise on the banks of the Lellajun, on the neck of land above 

 the junction of the Mahana or " Mahanada," between both rivers ; 

 part of this pillar is set up in the town of Sahebgnnge (Gyah) and two 

 fragments remain at the original spot ; of a fourth fragment, containing 

 the inscription, various stories are told, but suffice it to say it is missing. 



Proceeding further down the river, we come to Gyah proper ; that 

 this was originally a place of Buddhist and Jain worship, I believe there 

 is little room for doubt, and that the worship of the Linga or Siva at 

 this and all the Viharas, was practised for ages in conjunction with that 

 of Budha, I think is equally clear from the innumerable Linga stones of 

 every shape and variety found scattered about. I could wish that I had 

 time to draw the whole variety, from the simple round stone to the rich- 

 ly sculptured four-headed kind called "the Chowmoorti," and " Chow- 

 mookhi" Mahadeva, though some would be unfit for our pages. 



Still following the river, which is now called the Phulgoo, and at a dis- 

 tance of 15 miles, we reach Nagarjuni hills, the site perhaps of the 

 chief Vihara or of several, for we read in Tumour that after the death 

 of Sakya, the first great convocation was held before the Sutta 

 punni (Sutgurba) ? cave on the south of the hill, &c. which I think 

 there is every reason to believe was the very spot now called Barabur 

 as I have attempted to show in my notice on the caves. On the north- 

 west end of these hills is Dharawut, and Chundowk tank, also the site 

 of a Vihara . 



Crossing the river and proceeding some 12 or 14 miles to the south- 

 east, and after passing the range of barren rocks which extend from 

 near Gyah to Giryek and Raja-griha, we come to a vast mound of bricks 

 and rubbish, called Koorkihar, undoubtedly the site of a great monastery 

 and large town, indicated by the potsherds and the many fine wells and 

 tanks. Koorkihar is perhaps a corruption of " Korika," and Vihara 

 the ancient name, is said to have been Koondilpoor, but this honor is 

 claimed also for Burgaon, the site of another large city and monastery, 

 Chaityas, &c. to the north of the hills, distant 10 or 12 miles. 



The outer enclosure appears to have been 1 80 paces square ; the wall 

 (of bricks) was about three feet in thickness ; there must have been an 



