282 Biographical sketch of Col. Mackenzie. [July 



known hitherto), with other authentic MSS., have been 

 translated from the Persian, Mahratta, and other native 

 languages, and now form a body of materials designed 

 to assist a work descriptive of the geography, history^ 

 and statistics of the Dekkan, which has been in its pro- 

 gress communicated to several respectable authorities 

 well qualified to estimate its design, and approved of by 

 them. 



These were also designed to be accompanied by a se- 

 ries of maps, charts, and drawings^ 



9. The history and antiquities of the earlier dynasties, 

 of which notices are daily occurring, are more uncon- 

 nected and obscure; yet sufficient matter appears in in- 

 scriptions, ancient buildings, sculptures, and coins, in 

 addition to traditions, poems, &c. to furnish materials 

 for a sketch of the early dynasties and sovereigns of 

 these countries previous to the Christian era and era of 

 Sallivahana, such as, viz, : 



1. The kings of Banawassi* in the N.W. whose 

 ancient inscriptions and characters confirm the po- 

 pular tradition of the country of a great kingdom 

 having once been established there. 



2. The kings whose capital was Amraumlly on 

 the Kistna, where the singular fragments and re- 

 mains lately discovered exhibit specimens of beauty 

 and taste in design and execution, seldom found in 

 Hindu sculpture. Drawings of these were taken. 



3. The ancient Kuramber kings, and the pasto- 

 ral, hunting, or nomadic tribes, who occupied this 

 country, previous to the introduction of the doctrine 

 of the Vedas by the Chola kings, and to whom se- 

 veral antiquities, buildings, sculptures, establish- 

 ments, and coins, of late brought into notice, are 

 supposed to belong. 



'■^ Tlio position of Banawassi is laid down in Ftoleiny's Tables^ 



