THE ANTIQUITIES OF MUKHALINGAM. 
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13. (IV.) The ruins of old temples, ^c. — A casual visitor, 
the moment he sees the place, will not fail to be struck by 
the number of idols, sculptured figures, and carved stones 
scattered over the village and its neighbourhood. The 
inhabitants of Mukhalingam do not need to burn bricks in 
a kiln or cut stone from a quarry. They have only to dig 
a few feet in their farms or compounds, and a plentiful 
supply can be had ready for use. The whole quantity of 
stone required for the construction of a very deep well 
recently dug in a Brahman's compound was thus obtained. 
The bricks that are excavated are of extraordinary size, 3 
feet by 2 feet. Sometimes huge slabs of stone are found 
jointed by strong iron nails driven deep into them. Wherer 
ever one stands, one sees a brick or stone debris. Among 
these remains, either blocks of cut stone or carved figures 
are noticeable all along the way from Mukhalingam to 
Nagarikatakam, a village two miles southwards, where a 
temple is now under construction over a lingo, dug out 
by a cultivator, and among the materials which were 
likewise dug out I saw carved stone figures, monoliths 
as tall as a man. I was told by a Brahman at Mukha- 
lingam that he saw some inscriptions on the stone slabs 
now lying buried in a field. I tried to get them dug- 
out, but a green crop growing on the spot prevented me. I 
have myself seen an inscription in old Nagari characters 
on a slab which a Mathddhilmri placed under the door- 
frame of his house. I could neither read it nor take a 
copy of it, because of the inconvenient position in which it 
was placed. These facts are, I think, sufficient to prove 
the former existence of numerous old temples in Mukha- 
lingam, which, all things considered, is entitled to boast of 
a high antiquity. 
14. I may pause here a little and inquire into the age 
and history of these temples, for which ample materials are 
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