1855.] Notes on Assam Temple Ruins. 7 



salient and retreating angles, which being carried up into the dome 

 made it appear ribbed. The stones forming the dome were all 

 horizontally placed, and were supported by the courses of slabs 

 forming the interior of the roof. The lintel and uprights of the 

 doorway, leading from the vestibule into the shrine, are elaborately 

 carved with scrolls and flowers. 



These domes are said to have recently fallen in, from the effects 

 of a severe earthquake. When complete that of the shrine was 

 about 30 feet in height. It is decorated by rows of small grotesque 

 monsters with large ears, whether intended for men or monkies I 

 could not make out, for, though the temples do not appear to 

 have suffered from wanton destruction, the exfoliation of time has 

 effaced much of the ornament notwithstanding the durability of the 

 materials. The stones are bound together by clamps and pins ; 

 but there is want of connection between the internal and external 

 faces of the work, the intermediate space being filled up with rubble, 

 and without bondstones. The effects of an earthquake would, 

 therefore, be very likely to bring down the whole structure. 



No inscription has been found amongst these ruins, nor is there 

 any tradition regarding them worth quoting. 



The next ruins I shall notice, are situated in the low hills, oppo- 

 site Gowahatty, just outside the fortifications of the ancient city, 

 and not far from the great stone bridge. I was informed that these 

 hills contained the remains of eighteen temples. There were at all 

 events that number of shrines : every eminence, and some of the 

 ridges, having been furnished with them. 



The most remarkable is still resorted to as a holy place. It is 

 called Modon Kamdeo ; the present objects of worship being two 

 rude stone figures, villainously traducing the god of love and his 

 mistress ; but these figures were obviously never intended for the 

 pedestal on which they rest. 



The basement of the old temple to about six feet above the plinth, 

 is all that is standing (plate II). It occupied a commanding posi- 

 tion, on a prominent peak of the range, overlooking the plains. 

 The top of the hill is scarped, and the holy buildings are contained 

 in a quadrangle, which was surrounded by a wall of well cut stone, 

 with gates guarded by large lions and groups of lions devouring 

 elephants. 



