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82 Ancient Remains at Saidpur and Bhitari. [No. 2m 
a 
stone ornamented with a lotus blossom. Each corner stone also : 
exhibits this flower in relief. The existence of the original eaves — 
stone on portions of three sides of this structure, is sufficient proof 
that it could not have been any larger than it is at present; but the 
great strength of the supports above alluded to, would appear to 
indicate that it once possessed a second or even a third story. Upon 4 
the roof is a diminutive chamber of comparatively modern construc-_ 
tion, sustained by four ancient pillars. The shafts are octagonal, and 
the capitals and rounded bases are richly carved with the bell and © 
leaf pattern. These pillars have been doubtless taken from old build- 
ings which were formerly situated in this neighbourhood. 
We are of opinion that these two edifices were separate chaityas 
attached to a vihar or monastery, traces of which, owing to the short 
time at our disposal, we did not attempt to discover. The preservation — 
of these interesting remains is to be attributed to the circumstance ~ 
of a Mahomedan faqir named Sheikh Samman having taken up his | 
abode in one of them, and having been buried in it at his death. 
The second chaitya contains the tomb of Makhdum Sah. It would 
be worth the while for any one having time at his disposal to explore — 
thoroughly this locality, which abounds with Mahomedan tombs, — 
Buddhist remains. 
BHITARI. J 
This village is situated on the Gangi river, an affluent of the 
Ganges, and is called Saidpur-Bhitari, from which Rajah Deo 
Narain Singh, late member of the Legislative Council of India, 
derives his title. Its appearance in the distance is that of a long low 
mound, which, on nearer approach, displays a reddish hue on account 
of the large quantity of brick rubbish entering into its composition, 
Tn form it is nearly rectangular, the measurement of its four sides 
being as follows :— 
East Face, .........-...-. 500 yards. y | 
South ditto, ............ 525 ditto. 
Westidittoy hit 685 ditto. 
INorthudittoy ise. os 700 ditto, 
