Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ... very much mutilated; and beyond this, on the same side (at the mile-post) is a square " Mantragala" stone with nine square holes in its upper surface at regular intervals. It is impossible at present to pronounce authoritatively as to the actual use and meaning of these curious stones. Formerly they were called "Yogi" stones, and were supposed to have been used by ascetics for purposes of mystic devotion and second sight. But this is rendered improbable by the positions in which some of them have been found, and by the fact that one at least, if not more, was covered by a heavy stone slab. It seems clear that these stones were always square, and always divided into either 9 or 25 partitions; that probably they were laid down within shrines, below the floor, and covered with a slab upon which rested the dsanaya, or pedestal, of the image, or other object of worship; that they were talismans against demoniac influences; that the 9 and 25 divisions had various mystic and astrological significations. There is a similar stone to this, with twenty-five small squares in the compound of the Government Agent's residence; a second near the reading-room and the stone bulls; and a third at the new excavations near the stone canopy. To the south-east of this stone, an enormous "pokuna"is visible, which is known as the Elephants' Bathing Tank.f Nearly opposite, on the left-hand side of the road, See Mr. Bell's Seventh Report to Government, Appendix A, t There is a tendency in local tradition to presume that everything particularly large was intended for and used by elephants--a hypothesis not supported by investigation. is a beautiful stone canopy, restored in 1886. The square centre-piece is particularly perfect, and perhaps the finest specimen of...
