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similar to the ancient basilic, a pile of building twice as long as it was 
wide: one of the extremities terminating in ahemicycle; two rows 
of columns formed a spacious area in the centre, leaving a narrow 
walk between the columns and the wall ; in these basilici the 
Roman emperors of the east frequently administered justice. The 
largest excavation at Salsette seems to be on the same plan, al- 
though doubtless intended for a place of worship: towards the 
termination of the temple, fronting the entrance, is a circular pile 
of solid rock, nineteen feet high, and forty-eight in circumference, 
most probably a representation of the lingam , the symbol of Seva. 
There are no images in this temple, nor any kind of sculpture 
except on the capitals of the pillars, which are generally finished 
in a masterly style, and are little impaired by time; some have 
been left in an unfinished state; on the summit of others is some- 
thing like a bell, between elephants, horses, lions, and animals of 
different kinds. 
The lofty pillars and concave roof of the principal temple at 
Salsette present a much grander appearance than the largest exca- 
vation at the Elephanta, although that is much richer in statues 
and bassi-relievi than any of those on Salsette: I annex a draw- 
ing of the pillars on each island, as they have a characteristic 
difference. The portico at Salsette, of the same height and 
breadth as the temple, is richly decorated; on each side a large 
niche contains a colossal statue well executed; facing the entrance 
are small single figures, and groups in various attitudes ; the whole 
in good preservation. The outer front of the portico, and the area 
before it, corresponding in grandeur with the interior, are now 
injured by time, and the mouldering sculpture intermingled with 
clematis and a variety of rock-plants. We copied several lines 
3 I 
