223 
1890.] punch-marked coins of Hindustan, ^c. 
the folds of the body are two oval objects which can hardly be meant to 
represent anything but eggs, and if this interpretation is not accepted, 
I am quite at a loss to suggest any other, but I feel convinced the above 
is the correct one. 
48. A Cobra. {Naja tripudians). Figs. 31, 32. 
Neither this symbol or the last is mentioned by Thomas, nor does it 
appear to be common on the coins, but on two specimens in my posses- 
sion, what appears to bo a hooded snake is seen, though not very well 
preserved. Considei'ing the part the Cobra plays in Hindu mythology, it 
is rather curious it is not of more frequent occurrence, being sacred to, 
and symbolical of Vishnu and Siva alike. The Cobra is perhaps 
introduced as a fortunate and auspicious symbol, just as a snake in 
brass is used as a canopy for idol shrines or altars at the present day, 
and which snake is furnished with one or a plurality of heads. Dr. 
Rajendralala Mitra, C. I. E., once informed me that a respectable 
Hindu family of good position in Bengal referred a certain reverse of 
fortune which overtook it, to the fact that in repairing the old family 
mansion, a number of Cobras which from time immemorial had occupied 
quarters below the basemeut of the building, had been dislodged, and 
either dispersed or destroyed. It may seem strange that a Hindu should 
not only tolerate but derive satisfaction from the presence of so danger- 
ous a guest in his abode, but I believe the zenial tie thus established 
between the reptile and man is rarely dissolved through any misconduct 
on the part of the former. I can quite believe, that as bees are said to 
recognise persons they are in the habit of seeing about their hives, so 
the Cobras in a house, may learn to recognise their protectors, and 
moreover the occupants of the premises knowing what sort of animals 
were about the place at night, would act with all necessary care in 
consequence. 
The peaceful and unvindictive and unaggressive disposition of the 
Cobra appears to bo recognised not only in Bengal, but among the 
Karens in Burma who have, of course, a legend to account for it. Once 
on a time the Great Father summoned the reptile tribes before him to 
interrogate them as to how they would behave towards man, for in those 
days all snakes were poisonous. The Python replied haughtily that he 
should act as ho pleased, for which an’ogance ho was diiven into the 
water, which quickly washed away his poison and all his descendants 
have been harmless ever since. The Cobra, however, replied that he 
would not bite man, without provocation sufficient to bring tears into 
I’is eyes, and he therefore was allowed to retain his full venomous 
■poster. (Rev. F. Mason). Fig. 31 is copied from Prinsep’s Plate, of 
