284 ON ORISSA PROPER 



on the other hand espoused zealously the cause of the brahmins. It was 

 at last determined to make another formal trial of their relative skill as 

 men of science, or rather magicians. Accordingly a snake was secretly 

 put into an earthen jar, the mouth of which being* covered up, the vessel 

 was produced in a great assembly at the palace. Both parties were then 

 asked what the jar contained. The brahmins answered, " it contains only 

 earth," and sure enough when opened it was found to contain nothing but 

 earth. This specimen of skill entirely changed the Raja's opinions, and 

 he now became as violent against the Bauddhists as he had been before 

 prejudiced in their favour — so much so that he not only withdrew his pro- 

 tection and countenance, but violently expelled the whole sect from his 

 dominions, and destroyed all their books except the pot'his called the Amer 

 Singh and Bir Singh (Amara Sinlia and Vira Sinha). It is added that about 

 this time Chytunya or Chytan Mahaprabhu came from Naddia in Bengal to 

 visit the temple of Jagannath, and that he performed miracles before the 

 Raja. The key to the whole story is probably to be found in the visit of 

 this celebrated Vyshnavite reformer or sectary, who doubtless had some 

 share in creating the hostile disposition of Raja Pertab Rudra Deo, towards 

 the followers of the heretical Budha. 



Another of those famines which have so often afflicted India, occurred 

 early in this century in Orissa. The Raja who could find leisure for schemes 

 of conquest and ambition amidst his religious enquiries and controversies, 

 marched with his army down to Setu Band Rameswara, reduced several 

 forts, and took the famous city of Vijayanagara. The Mohammedans of 

 the Deccan also gave abundant occupation to his arms on the southern 

 frontier of the Raj, and whilst he was occupied in repelling or provoking 

 their attacks, the Afghans from Bengal made an inroad into the province 

 in great force. They advanced as far as Cuttack, and pitched their camp 

 in the neighbourhood of the city, when the Governor Anant Singhar finding 

 himself unable to oppose any effectual resistance, took refuge in the strong 

 fortress of Sarangerh, south of the Katjuri. After satiating themselves 



