132 CAPTAIN NELSON'S REPORT ON CERTAIN 



and of large size. Some years ago this land was tilled, but 

 the spot being so remote from any market, and the inter- 

 vening country so rugged, it was found a profitless specu- 

 lation. From Nakul Pentah we proceeded to Yellagal Pen- 

 tah, over a very rocky country ; and from Yellagal Pentah 

 to Arepentah, which I have marked in my map. From 

 Arepentah to Shigarum pagoda, the country becomes wilder 

 and more mountainous, and resembles a good deal the hilli- 

 est part of Coorg. Shigarum pagoda, which is built on the 

 point of the highest hill within view, is reached by a stone 

 road- way and stairs, about 15 paces broad, which winds 

 round the hill. 



The pagoda itself is an insignificant building and dila- 

 pidated ; but from a platform on the roof a superb view of 

 the surrounding country is obtained. 



The dark gloomy looking walls of the Kistna mark the 

 tortuous windings of its course, and at one favorable turn 

 of the river you catch a glimpse of the stream, flowing like a 

 great sewer deep down between its high banks. In the 

 valley before us we saw glittering in the rising sun the 

 golden balls which flank the top of the Holy Temple of 

 Shreechalum or Purwuttum * 



The road to Purwuttum, which is of hewn stone, is a 

 continuous descent and about three miles in length : nearly 

 every stone or stair of the road is covered with written 

 sentiments of devotion. There are several small dewals on 

 the road side, besides the pagoda of Ullokasher. 



Purwuttum must once have been a vast city ; but nothing 

 now remains of its former glory except the Temple. The ruins 

 of stone bowries of great beauty, and lines of stone wall that 

 every where can be seen standing out of the thorn jungle, 

 still give an idea of a time that has long since passed away. 

 Like all old ruined towns, Purwuttum is most unhealthy. A 



* Vide Note 3, 



