49 
respecting the Observatory at Benares, 
different instruments, and their uses, satisfactorily ; however, 
you may rely on the measurements being taken with the 
greatest exactness. 
For the following description I am indebted to our chief 
magistrate, the Nabob Ali Ibrahim Kaun. 
“ The area, or space comprising the whole of the buildings 
and instruments, is called in Hindoo, maun-mundel\ the cells, 
and all the lower part of the area, were built many years 
ago, of which there remains no chronological account, by the 
Rajah Maunsing, for the repose of holy men, and pilgrims, 
who come to perform their ablutions in the Ganges, on the 
banks of which the building stands. 
“ On the top of this the observatory was built, by the Rajah 
Jeysing, for observing the stars, and other heavenly bodies ; 
it was begun in 1794 Sumbut, and, it is said, was finished in 
two years. The Rajah died in 1800 Sumbut. 
“ The design was drawn by Jaggernaut, and executed un- 
der the direction of Sadashu Mahajin ; but the head work- 
man was Mahon, the son of Mahon a pot-maker of Jeypoor. 
The pundit’s pay was five rupees per day ; the workmen’s two 
rupees, besides presents ; some got lands, or villages, worth 
3 or 400 rupees yearly value ; others money.” 
I am, &c. 
Benares 
March 25, 1792. J. LL. WILLIAMS. 
MDCCXCIII. 
H 
