1879. ] or a History of Hamir, prince of Ranthambor. 189 
sign Mithuna, inthe month of Vaisékha (April). Offerings were made to 
Siva and Ganesa, and large sums of money distributed among the Brahmans. 
The newly built town of the Rado was full of temples and squares. It 
resembled Amaravati, the city of Indra. The temples were very beautiful, 
lofty, and decorated with screens of lattice-work. Expanding flags, glit- 
tering falasas, lofty gateways, were abundant in every place. The 
front doors of shops, facing the street, were ornamented, and the walls 
adorned with pictures. Handsome women, rivalling Rati, the wife of Kama- 
deva (Cupid), gave beauty to thescene. The gates of houses, the seats on 
either side of them, and the balconies were very exquisitely made. Perfumes 
of various kinds filled the air with fragrance. All the four castes and 
Asrams lived there in happiness, each following its own profession. The 
people were all of a forgiving nature, kind, charitable and hospitable to 
strangers. The splendid town was named Ranthambor. 
All the Bhils, inhabiting the mountain fastnesses, readily acknowledged 
the power of the Rao and recognised in him their sovereign. It is said that 
Mahadeva, being pleased with his devotion, appeared before him and blessed 
him, saying, “ Reign in glory, my son; reign as long as your virtues enable 
you to do so.” 
A very curious story is told of the erection of the fort. The wall of 
the portico fell down as often as it was raised. The Raja was struck with 
wonder and was extremely anxious to find out the cause of this mysterious 
occurrence. At last, finding all resources fail, he summoned up all his 
courage and said—“ Let me die, for my death alone can give stability to 
the wall.” He seated himself at the foundation, ready to carry out his 
desperate resolution, when Ravana and Basava, two warlike and loyal 
Bhils, exclaimed—“ Rao Jeyat, the fort is ours, although you have a 
nominal title to it. You are but our guest. The fort is emphatically ours. 
It behoves you, therefore, to cut off our heads and raise the wall upon them.” 
Ravana said, “Only look after my son Bhoj.” The brave Bhils were 
beheaded, their heads placed as foundation-stones, and the wall built thereon 
became as firm and lasting asa rock. The fort is said to have all the 
advantages of position and to be impregnable to an enemy. It stands 
to this day in all its majesty, a monument of the martial tact and skill 
of the ancient Rajputs. 
The austere penances of the sage Padam greatly frightened Indra. His 
throne shook. In fear he sent Cupid to allure the sage. The god of love 
with his seductive train appeared before the saint. Spring bent his bow, and 
shot arrows drawn from his quiver. The apsaras danced, and Kinnaras 
| sang. Their captivating strains charmed not only men, but even the gods. 
The forest became full of flowers and bees, cuckoos and peacocks. The 
AA 
