NHD46/f.64

Letter addressed to Lt. Col. Mackenzie from F. W. E (Francis Whyte Ellis)

Original inscriptions: ‘My Dear Mackenzie, you some time ago expressed a wish to make a drawing of my double-headed snake, and I told you I would endeavour to procure you the description of it from the Sanscrit dictionaries. I now send said snake, the description and the’ [‘Sancaracarya’s’]’ description of it – The “black bars mixed with white” you will observe is the very description of the animal. Yours truly F. W. Ellis 15th May 1816.’ [This is accompanied by Sanskrit text written in English, the same written in Kannada, and an English translation of the text as follows: ‘Haridatta’s Commentary for the Sutram, the words and Takshacah signify Serpents that have more than one Head – Thus the Hemachandrah Sikshacah is a two headed Serpent and Takshacah is one of three Heads. It is certain that these two are covered with black bars or bands intermixed with white. They are said to be seldom found and they never stay long anywhere – It is true that on a Man being bit by them he will never’ [be] ‘alive: Some say that a few have survived by the virtue’ [Kannada script] ‘of Ten Letters’]

Medium: Ink

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