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[ 11 ] dvāręśa', etc., etc. High importànce was attached to the guarding of the passes ensuring peace and prosperitý of the State. The mountain barriers which enclose. Kashmir like great walls leave but a small number of approaches for a foreign invasion. The history of Kashmir down to the present century shows clearly that it was on the defence of these approaches that the safety of the valley has always depended. It is, therefore, understood why the protection of these passes and the general command over the watch-stations established on them should have been entrusted to special high officers. It is not at all unlikely that King Sarkaravarman sometime felt it necessary to appoint even Jayantabhatta his minister and adviser, to guard against the Khasas who, as Stein says, were most troublesome neighbours. It is worthy of notice that the commentator states it clearly that Jayanta had to spend his time in the country of the Khasas under orders from the King. The place where he had to stay was a dense forest. Jayantabhațța describes the place as extremely lonely where no sound can enter from outside. The loneliness of the place inside a gorge or ravine inspired him so much that he thought it proper to utilize the time by writing this important work. The calm and serene atmosphere was best suited to the purpose.
On this occasion of the publication of this important treatise the Editor feels it imperative to express his grati
