350 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



Budhist series; and they usually contain a 'deghop,' or large solid 

 dome. While the flat-roofed caves, adjoining, have often a sitting 

 statue of Budha; which receives the light from the narrow entrance. 



The features of these statues of Budha, partake strongly of the 

 Malayan character; the beard too, is invariably wanting: but the 

 nose, in some instances, is too prominent for the Malayan race ; and 

 the hair, is always curled in knobs, (as in the Persepolitan bass- 

 reliefs.) And after giving much attention to the subject, I arrived 

 at the conclusion : That the Indian caves, were constructed by men 

 of the White race. 



The Adjunta Caves, contain paintings that are superior in order 

 of merit, over all elsewhere known in India. They are now reduced 

 to a few remnants; which yet afford an insight into the manners, 

 arts, costume, and physical character of the population at a remote 

 period of time; and portray a surprisingly high state of civilization. — 

 The attention of government, has been directed to the importance of 

 preserving these records; but the artist appointed to copy them, had 

 not arrived at the time of my visit. As therefore, the Adjunta caves, 

 are of recent discovery, and from their remote situation continue to be 

 very little known, I will subjoin the substance of some notes taken on 

 the spot : 



The pathway, leading to and in front of the caves, is paved with burnt 

 bricks of large dimensions. 



Several of the caves, have been left unfinished; but in the whole 

 series, I could detect no interruption to unity in design; although 

 so great an amount of excavation, could scarcely have been accom- 

 plished within one generation. 



Cells or dormitories, for ascetics, are numerous: as at the other Bud- 

 hist caves. 



Series of saints, or holy men, sculptured in bass-relief, repeatedly 

 occur; each individual, having a circle round the head, and hold- 

 ing the hands in the attitude of prayer. 



The stairways, according to the universal plan with the Ancient Hin- 

 doos, are internal passages in the rock. 



Budha, as in the usual representations, is in all instances supported 

 by the flower of the Nelumbium. 



Lions, are sculptured at several of the caves; both at the entrance, 

 and in the interior. 



Elephants, are frequently represented in the bass-reliefs ; in one in- 



