oct. — mar. 1859-60.] Pwiings. 



365 



It appears that Venkatadri Vasareddi Nayadu, the recently created 

 Zemindar of Chintapulli under the permanent settlement, who fixed 

 his place of residence at Amaravati, shortly after obtaining pos- 

 session of his Estate, commenced extensive excavations into the 

 mound called Dipaldinne in close proximity to the Town, with 

 the expectation of finding treasure. The only object of interest 

 he obtained was a Stone Casket or case, containing Budd'hist relics, 

 which with other property of the Vasareddi family, is under se- 

 questration in the Guntoor Zillah Court. Mr. Rohde, when Judge, 

 at Mr. Elliot's suggestion, sent this Vase to the Central Museum, 

 where it now remains in trust. 



Failing in his quest for treasure, the Zemindar made use of the 

 materials of the tope for the construction of his new capital, in 

 which condition, and while the work of spoliation was still in pro- 

 gress, it was found by Colonel Mackenzie. 



Colonel Mackenzie's account in the Asiatic Register, though 

 drawn up from personal inspection, gives a mistaken view of the 

 form and object of the structure, to which Mr. Fergusson has as- 

 signed the true character. 



Mr. Elliot's excavations which only extended along one side 

 were conducted by Rama Prasad, then a Jemadar on his Establish- 

 ment, and now Head of Police in Masulipatam. 



Mr. Elliot states him to be a person of great intelligence and 

 every way trustworthy, and considers that he may be employed 

 with advantage to superintend any further excavations that may be 

 undertaken. 



The Committee think it very desirable that the Examination of 

 the whole should be completed, and will with pleasure co-operate 

 in any measures the Government may adopt. 



Extract from the Proceedings will be forwarded to Sir C. E. 

 Trevelyan, in reply to his note. 



Read letter from the Rev. Mr. Kearns communicating a Paper 

 on the examination of certain Cairns in Tinnevelly . 



Ordered to be acknowledged with thanks, and transferred to 

 the Sub-Committee on Papers for publication in the Journal. 



