CUDDALORE. 
371 
carved figures shewed in the artist a more just attempt at proper 
action than is to be found in the rest. It was extremely well lighted 
up, so that, by ordering my torches away, I could see the inside better 
than by day. There was a profusion of gold and jewels about the 
Deity. The buildings were formed as usual, and we were only per* 
mitted to approach the door of the anti-room. In this was the 
brazen pillar, reaching above the roof: without was an immense 
lingam of black stone, elevated on a lofty square pedestal of many 
steps ; over it was a canopy, supported by pillars, that rose from 
the grouud without pedestals. A small temple facing us on our 
return was of the same architecture, and the carved figures had 
equal merit. I here observed, for the first time, a smaller circular 
pillar of black stone, protruded in front of the larger, in the same 
way as in some of the Gothic cathedrals in England, which had a 
very beautiful effect. In this temple are many inscriptions in an 
unknown character, which I should have been delighted to have 
had copied; but it was impossible, as I was obliged, to my great 
regret, to hurry away, lest I should be too late in the Red Sea for the 
southerly monsoon. This is a most holy pagoda ; and although it 
has no revenue, except a share of the money allowed by Govern- 
ment, is supposed to be rich, from the numerous donations of piety 
and superstition. Tippoo during the war got possession of it, and 
much annoyed our troops. The walls are very lofty and thick ; 
but though the gateways were forced, still they resisted, and by 
throwing down combustibles drove out the assailants. At twelve 
I took my leave of Mr. Campbell, and proceeded on my journey. 
, February 3. — Early in the morning I was met by a servant of 
Mr. Kinchant's, the Resident at Cuddalore, inviting rne to his house. 
VOL. I, 3 b 
