1839] Report on the Mackenzie Manuscripts. 40. 



Section 2. Tale of Ficrama, prince of Uchehini. 



This is one of the popular tales concerning Vicramadttya. It is in 

 rather more deteriorated condition than the preceding section ; but there 

 is nothing in the tale to merit the process of restoration. 



Manuscript book, No. 36.— -Countermark 948. 



Contents. Another copy of the 25 tales of the Vetala. 



With a few slight exceptions at the beginning, and at the end, this 

 book is in tolerably good preservation. It is a version of the tales of 

 Vicramaditya's attendant-demon, or Vetala. They deserve no serious 

 notice in researches of the present kind, and it is to be regretted, that 

 the commonness and popularity of such kind of tales, have a tendency to 

 detract from the general value, such as it is, of Hindu literature. A 

 vitiated, and morbid, taste can alone be gratified by such kind of produc- 

 tions ; and they convey a low estimate of the people among whom they 

 are popular. 



Manuscript book, No 5.— Countermark 871. 



Section 1. Account of Muluvacal in Mysore 



The account was written in May 1837, from the statements made by 

 Asaman the Amin-, Kalla rao the Serishtadar\ and others. The statement 

 is wildly legendary. The ancient name of ihe place was MaVhapw\ 

 It was visited by Rama and Sita; and was chosen as a suitable place 

 for the penance of Valmica. In the time of the great war, Hanuman as- 

 sisted Arjuna; and the latter greatly admired the former's bravery. 

 The hill in the vicinity afforded a refuge to the rishis during that war» 

 At a later period many fanes were built here, as the spot was esteemed 

 sacred. Its subjection to a native prince is stated ; and its subsequent 

 assumption by the Mahomedans. Towards the close of the paper there is a 

 reference to the war against Tippu, conducted by General Harris, Colonel 

 Close, and others ; in which war Tippu was slain by a cannon shot, and 

 his country was taken. 



Remark. The paper being written down from verbal statements, and 

 l>eing of a legendary character, does not seem to offer much of conse- 



