Page:Report of a Tour Through the Bengal Provinces of Patna, Gaya, Mongir and Bhagalpur; The Santal Parganas, Manbhum, Singhbhum and Birbhum; Bankura, Raniganj, Bardwan and Hughli in 1872-73.djvu/113

Rh appears a later restoration, and is perched on a mound which itself was the ruin of a temple, as the straight walls are still traceable where the rain and floods have washed away the debris, and excavation may yield objects of interest.

The main line of walls of the outer fort according to the people is the one stretching away towards Tapoban, then descending and re-ascending Baibhár hill and running along it to the Saraswati rivulet; but this portion of the outer walls, if it really exist, has not yet been explored; the inner western ramparts which cross the Saraswati stream at Rangbhum having alone been explored, and the portion from the crest of Baibhár eastwards down to the rivulet at the north entrance into the valley.

It will thus be seen that the great fort consisted of an outer fort with walls running along the crests of the surrounding hills, and an inner fort consisting of ramparts in the valley on all sides, except the west, where alone, from the outer walls not having been explored, it is not possible to speak with certainty; but I am inclined to accept the statements of the people, who assert the existence of outer walls here also, because without it this side would not correspond in main features with the other sides.

There are several caves in and about Râjgir. Of these the following have distinct names, and are connected with various legends:—

1.—The Asur's cave or palace of the Asuras, mentioned by Hwen Thsang as somewhere near Yashti Vana; it has not yet been found (see ante).

2.—A cave close to it (sec Geogr. Anc. India by Cunningham, p. 462).

3.—The cave in which Buddha used to sit in profound meditation.

4.—The cave of Ananda.

5.—Devadatta’s cell.

6.—The Pippal cave or palace of the Asurs.

7.—The Sattapanni cave.

Of these four have been discovered, but three alone described by General Cunningham. One of these is the Pippal cave behind Jaràâsandha’s Baithak, i. e., No. 6 of the list.

Of the remaining two, one is called by him the Sattapanni cave; the other is a small broken cave close to it.

As I differ in toto from General Cunningham’s identifications here,—identifications adopted also by Mr. Broadley,—it is necessary to discuss the subject in detail.