86 



DESCRIPTIVE REMARKS ON 



K (34). The mer.e shell of a built temple, covered with 

 fine carvings outside. Much weatherworn. 

 Interior destroyed. A good view of the place 

 is obtained from this, the highest part of the 

 rocks. If time is insufficient K (34) may be 

 omitted. 



After visiting K or J 32 at the south end of the great 

 mass of the rocks, the group of monolithic shrines should 

 be visited. For this purpose proceed by the track from the 

 south extremity of the rocks for one-third of a mile over 

 heavy sand to Q, (36-43), the five monolithic Bathos for 

 which the place is famous. There are four different models 

 of antique buildings here, supposed to represent the great 

 temples, monasteries, or other ecclesiastical buildings of the 

 Buddhist period of Indian architecture. As some of these 

 are perhaps the most ancient if not the only models known of 

 the buildings they represent, some little time may well be 

 spent in examining them closely and familiarizing oneself with 

 their peculiarities ; and after the walk over the sand it would 

 seem a good opportunity to rest awhile and take breakfast or 

 luncheon. A small ladder should be got from the village or 

 from the nearest toddy-drawers' huts by which to ascend to 

 the roofs of the monoliths (their most finished and interesting 

 part), in order to examine the details more closely. 



After having examined the group of monoliths (Q) 

 thoroughly, several courses are open, and the choice must be 

 made according to the time at the visitor's disposal. The 

 principal objects remaining to be visited are R (6) and S (8), 

 the stone-built temple and sculptured rocks on the sea-shore, 

 and the sculptured rocks, excavation, and inscriptions, W, X 

 and Y, at Saluvankuppam. Both of these can hardly be 

 accomplished the same day as the objects about the main 

 rocks unless a pony or horse is available. If it is thought pre- 

 ferable to visit the remains at Saluvankuppam, without a horse, 

 the boat should have been sent about three-quarters of a mile 



