182 
The Rock-cut Excavations at Harchoka. 
[jNo. 3, 
Possibly tlien the Harchoka excavation was originally a temple 
and monastery combined, and in the arrangement and variety of its 
several parts was, for an excavated structure, probably as complete 
for the purposes for which it was designed, as I believe it to be, 
in the above respects, unique. 
References to the plan of the Harchoka Excavations. 
A. Access to the temple is gained by these two flights of steps, 
one being on the north side, and the other on the east. 
B. These are niches in the rock, situated near the entrances, 
and about level with a man’s breast. They probably held some 
image or symbol, that was the first object of adoration to the vota¬ 
ries of the temple. 
C. A ledge of rock 3 feet high, forming a pedestal for two stone 
figures of bulls, couchant. 
D. Cells or shrines. Excepting those in the lower temple, they 
each contain the symbol of the lingam. 
E. Pillars of solid rock. The base and capital of the hall pillars 
are both alike in size and form, and shaped thus— 
The shaft is square, the central part being reduced to an 
octagonal form by chamfering the angles. There is a 
feeble imitation of longitudinal beams resting on the pillars, consis¬ 
ting of a band of rock, of the same breadth as the pillar, projecting 
about an inch or so below the level of the roof. 
E. This has been a square plinth of rock standing about 3 feet 
high with columns at the corners supporting the roof. From there 
being a shallow oval-shaped basin or hollow in the centre, I con¬ 
clude that this was an altar for bloody sacrifices. 
G. Sanctuaries. These recesses have a ledge (g) about 8 
or 9 inches high projecting from the base of the wall, and 
of a trough-like shape in front. On these ledges, the principal 
deities of the temple were probably placed, the trough being- 
doubtless made to prevent the water and oil used in the bath¬ 
ing and anointing of the images from spreading and soiling 
the place. From concluding that these were the receptacles of 
the principal images, I have called them sanctuaries , though want- 
