Page:The Rock-cut Temples of India.djvu/31

 Bridge and Town of Ajunta.jpg

BRIDGE AND TOWN OF AJUNTA.

T the head of the ravine in which the Caves are situated stands Ajunta, a picturesque but thinly inhabited town, at one time well known in our annals in consequence of its being situated near the field of battle of Assaye. The Bara Durree or Palace was then used as a field hospital, and the graves of the officers who fell are still to be seen on the plateau opposite it, on the right of the picture.

At this point the stream is crossed by a bridge of ten arches, which serves also to dam back the waters of the river so as to form a reservoir above the bridge. A little farther down a second obstruction forms an artificial lake in front of the Bara Durree, as shown in the photograph, and adds at the same time to the height of the first of a series of falls, by which the river descends to that part of the ravine where the Caves are situated. 1