Its width is 3 feet, or just three-fourths of its height. If the dimensions of the capital were obtained from any multiple of the lower diameter, it is probable that the rule was to make the height of capital equal to 1 diameter of the base. The south pillar is 2 feet 10 inches in diameter, but the northern pillar is only 2 feet 7 inches, and the mean of the two is 2 feet 8 inches. This would give a capital of 4 feet and inch in height, which is within one inch of the measured height.

29. The capital is crowned by four lions standing back to back; each four feet in height. The heads are all broken; but the limbs, which are still perfect, are so boldly sculptured, and the muscles and claws are so accurately represented, that they might well be placed in comparison with many specimens of Grecian art. I attribute these pillars to the period of Asoka's reign, when Greek princes were ruling in Bactria and Kabul. We know that the "barbaric pearl and gold" of the Mogul emperors from Akbar to Aurangzeb attracted numbers of European jewellers and goldsmiths to the Indian Court: and we may therefore naturally infer that the architectural munificence of Asoka would have allured many Greek sculptors and architects from the neighbouring kingdoms of Bactria and Syria. But there is one reason which more than the others inclines me to attribute these lions to a Grecian artist, namely, the correct delineation of the feet, which have four large front claws, and one small hind claw. Now this lion

capital has been imitated by the sculptor of the pillars of the South Gateway, which we know was erected during the reign of Sri Sátakarni in the early half of the first century of the Christian era. On these pillars the lions are represented with five large front claws, and some straight channels up and down are perhaps intended for the muscles. The marked difference of style shows a considerable difference of age; and I attribute the pillars to the same early period as the railing. The native sculptor of Satakarni's reign was no match for the Greek artist employed by Asoka.

It

30. To the north of the Tope there is a second isolated column of similar dimensions to the last. stands on a square plinth 9 feet 3 inches in width at base, 8 feet wide at top, and 3 feet 6 inches in height. It is broken into three steps, as shown in the sketch in Plate X. The lower portion of the shaft is still standing; and the capital is now lying to the northward, at a distance of 32 feet from the shaft. The other portions of the shaft are missing; but the socket in the lower end of the capital shows that the neck of the shaft was 2 feet 3 inches in diameter, or the same as that of the southern pillar. The base is only 2 feet 7 inches in diameter. As these dimensions are nearly the same as those of the other column, and as the measured distance of the prostrate capital from the base of the shaft is only seven inches more than the height of the remaining shaft, I have assumed that the two pillars were most probably of the same height.

31. The bell capital of the northern pillar is terminated by an octagonal abacus, 6 inches in height. Above this there is a massive pedestal 3 feet square, and 2 feet 2 inches in height, which is ornamented on all four sides with a representation of the Buddhist railing. The pillar is crowned by a human figure of rather more than life size. The arms are both missing from the shoulders, and the statue is broken off at midleg. The lower parts of the legs are wanting, but the feet are still adhering to the upper part of the large tenon which was morticed into the head of the pillar.

32. The figure is dressed in the Indian dhoti gathered around the loins, and drawn in folds across the thighs. The end of the dhoti cloth flutters behind the left thigh. The body and the legs are naked. There is a necklace round the neck, and a belt or girdle round the waist. The left hand probably rested on the left hip; but the position of the right hand I cannot even guess. The expression of the face is placid, but cheerful; the posture of the figure is easy, though standing with unbent knees, and altogether there is an air of calm dignity about the statue that places it amongst the finest specimens of Indian sculpture. It probably represents Asoka himself, for there is a figure of Sákya within the northern entrance.

33. The total height of this pillar was forty-five feet and a half, and that of the south pillar very nearly forty feet. They were formed of a light

*

coloured compact sandstone and were very highly polished. This polish still remains on the shafts, and on the smoother portions of the statues. The south pillar has an inscription in the oldest Indian Páli, but it is too much mutilated to be read with any certainty, excepting in the closing lines.†

34. There is every reason to believe that these noble columns would have been standing at this day, had it not been for the petty avarice of the neighbouring zamindars. The southern pillar has been broken off at 6 feet from its base, and the rest of the shaft is now lying in two pieces on the ground towards the south. The capital of the northern pillar is lying to the north of its shaft. Thus both pillars have fallen outwards from the building. This could scarcely be the effect of an earthquake; but would naturally be the case if they had been pulled down for the purpose of making use of their material. Now there is a row of holes chiselled across the middle portion of the southern pillar, which prove that since its fall the people have attempted to cut it into lengths for their own use. Each of these pieces would have formed a sugar-mill, such as has been in use in India from time immemorial. But it may be asked, "Why did the cutter desist from his labour, and leave the wished-for stone at the top of the hill?"

The same high polish is observable on the Allahabad and Delhi Pillars; and also on the Radhiya, Mathiya, and Bakra Pillars, as I am informed by Major Kittoe.

+ See No. 177, Plate XIX.

The answer is simple and conclusive. During the operation of cutting, the stone split longitudinally from top to bottom, and was no longer of any use. The same cause preserved the upper portion of the southern pillar. I presume therefore that the shaft of the northern pillar did not split, and that it was long ago carried away and formed into sugar-mills. It is right, however, to add that I made inquiries for sugar-mills in the neighbourhood without success: although the ignorance of the people by no means proves their non-existence.

35. Close to the eastern gateway there is a third pillar with a shaft 13 feet high, and rather more than one foot in diameter. Its capital is bell-shaped, like those of the others; and it is crowned by a single seated lion.

36. To the north-east of the Tope also there are two small broken pillars, of which one bears an incomplete inscription in characters of the early Gupta period, about 400 a. D. This inscription is given in Plate XXI. No. 199. It reads, "** di HariswámiGosha Sinha Baliputra *"that is, "HARISWAMI GOSHA the son of SINHABALI "* This Hariswámi probably belonged to the same family as the Hariswámini before mentioned, who was the donor of lamps to the shrines of the four Buddhas.

37. At the north-west angle of the court, a flight of steps formerly led down the hill towards No. 2 Tope. Due north there is a ruined flight of steps

• This inscription had escaped the notice of previous visitors.