TO THE COURT OF AYA. 
117 
and in others the character was a good deal de¬ 
faced or obliterated ; but in general, both mate¬ 
rial and character were perfect. The writing 
appeared exactly the same as in the two columns 
already mentioned, some allowance being made 
for variety in handwriting. I may also add, 
that it appeared to me to be the same with that 
which is found in ancient inscriptions in Java. 
The character is even not so remote from the 
modern Javanese, but that I could make out 
several letters without difficulty. After the 
experience we have had of Indian inscriptions, 
it is not to be expected that much useful histo¬ 
rical information would be obtained from those 
of Pugan, if they were translated. Among so 
many, however, we might reckon on finding a 
few names and dates to corroborate the ac¬ 
counts which the Burmans give of their own 
story, or even some facts to illustrate their an¬ 
cient manners, religion, and institutions. The 
temple of Baud’hi, according to the tradition 
given of it, is the most recent of the ancient 
structures of Pugan, having been built by Ze- 
ya-sinha (Jaya-sin’ha, Victorious Lion, Pali), 
who reigned from 1190 to 1212. This prince 
is surnamed Nang-toung-mya-mang, or the 
King of many-ear-j ewels. 
We proceeded from this temple to a small 
