WD540(22)

‘Panoramic view of, Pagân,’ ‘looking S.S.E.’

A CONTINUATION, stretching to the river, of the wilderness of ruins; of which not only could a very small number be visited during the short stay of the Mission, but only a limited portion be observed from any single point of observation. Distance, inequalities of ground, trees (for however arid and barren the soil, it was not without its patches of jungle and trees sufficiently thick to hide innumerable pagodas) — cut off from observation hundreds of these interesting remains, which in the far distance appeared only shapeless heaps of bricks or dark earth. Of the curiosities which may thus yet remain to be brought to light, an illustration is afforded in the discovery by two different parties, in tumble-down shapeless looking buildings, more resembling stables than temples, of colossal figures of Gautma, referred to at page 61 of ‘Report.’ In addition to the recumbent figures there spoken of, were found in deep and dark vaulted chambers, attached to the same building, sitting figures of Guatma, their heads touching the roof, measuring fully thirty feet across the shoulders. Time and material were alike wanting to secure sketches of them.

At the point where two principal diagonal roads are seen to meet in this sketch, and thence to curve to the left, some remains of the ancient wall or rampart of the city are observable.