POONAH. W 
chiefly worshipped. The pagoda beyond is dedicated to his wife, 
Parbuttee, who, with her son Gunnais, share in the adoration. This 
pagoda has a pretty effect, as it crowns the top of a sugar-loaf hill, 
and behind it is the flat mountain on which is situated the fort of 
Saoghur. Holcar never took this place, nor could his offers tempt 
the fidelity of the Killadar. It seems strong, but does not cover the 
whole surface of the hill, so that on one side it is accessible. On 
the whole, 1 think Poonah well situated, and when it has a little en- 
joyed the blessings of tranquillity, it will be a handsome capital. 
His Highness having fixed on this day to return my visit, Co- 
lonel Close had a very large tent pitched in front of the house ; two 
others were joined to it without their sides, so as to form one large 
apartment : the guddy was sent forward, and placed in the centre, 
as at his own Durbar. On his coming in sight. Colonel Close 
mounted an elephant, and advanced to meet him. At the door of 
the tent I waited his approach. He came close up, but did not dis- 
mount till the Dewan of the state, the Sub-dewan, and the Dewan 
for British affairs had paid their compliments, and had presented 
to me the different Sirdars and Maunkarries who attended him. 
They made their salaams, and passed by into the tent. His Highness 
then descended from his elephant, with his brother, who rode 
behind him. I made my compliments, and leaving a space on my 
right hand for him to walk in, moved into the tent. We all seated 
ourselves as at the Durbar. A few compliments passed, while the 
nautch girls were singing and dancing. As his Highness was con- 
sidered as master of the house, the pawn and attar were placed on 
the ground before him, and he ordered it to be given to the Sirdars, 
and other attendants. I then requested his Highness to permit me 
