1872.] J. M. Foster — Notes on Ghargaon, Asain. 41 
renders it impossible to follow it up. There were several largo tanks also 
within the enclosure, of which but one remains in good order. The remains 
of a bund surrounding what might have been a fruit garden has also been 
noticed. 
A very curious tradition respecting the builder of the palace is current 
amongst the natives. A Bangalf architect named Q-onsam was invited 
by the Rajah Chuckcnmung to construct this palace. Wishing to obtain 
for his Rajah in Bengal all particulars as to the strength and population of 
the country, he suggested that in making the bricks they should bo mixed with 
the white of eggs to render them harder. On Chuckcnmung enquiring where 
such a vast number of eggs could be obtained, he intimated that if every one 
in Asam gave two eggs each, he would probably have sufficient for his pur- 
pose. The order was accordingly given, the eggs provided, and secretly coun- 
ted by the builder. Unfortunately for him, the Rajah was quite alive to the 
stratagem, and when the building was completed, dismissed bim and his 
assistants with great praise and riches. They were escorted across the river 
to be conveyed to Dik'ho Mukb by road (the Bor Alii) ; but immediately 
they got as far as Nazi rah, they were attacked, made prisoners and beheaded 
on the spot, and the treasure returned to the Rajah. 
The importance of this place during the seventeenth and eighteenth 
centuries can bo judged from the immense number of ruined temples, vast 
tanks, enormous maidans, and the once magnificent roads and river bunds ; 
it is now but sparsely populated, and the greater part of the country is one 
enormous jungle. The district is well worthy of a visit by some competent 
antiquarian, to rescue from oblivion archaeological treasures that are now 
rapidly perishing from neglect and wilful destruction, and would amply 
repay the tune and labour spent upon a thorough investigation of its many 
art treasures and historical monuments. 
G 
