Indian Antiquary Vol 08

SR No.: 032500
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jas Burgess
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 404
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[August, 1879.
The site of the old Buddhist city of Nagara- to the Bârâbât tope, a distance of about two hara," which is known to have existed in the miles, there can be traced the whole way Jalalabad Valley, would be an important point remains of Buddhist monastic establishments, to make out with certainty. I can only pretend | which must have had a very fine appearance, as to a suggestion that it stood a few miles to they would form a suburb, which overlooked the the west of the present Jalálâbâd, on the right city. Along the base of the Siah Koh range, bank of Surkhâb where the red waters of that and extending even over a greater distance, are stream mixed with the grey of the Kabul River. numerous remains of a similar kind, and all The natives call the spot "Begram," Masson's near enough to have been considered as outmap is a very rough one, and he places Begram skirts. On the south again is the Chår Bågh to the south-east of the spot I mean. There is group, these are more distant, still they were yet a rock standing out of the alluvial plain near enough to add to the beauty of the situation. covered with the debris of old buildings, amongst The wealth of a great city may perhaps help to which can be seen, in more than one place, the explain the existence of such a mass of large remains of Buddhist masonry. This the natives and important establishments, the remains of yet point to as the “Bala Hissar" of an old
which at the present day are enough to excite Kaffir city.
the astonishment of any one who visits the I have already mentioned an old tope of the locality. largest size, the mound of which yet remaining | This slight notice of the Buddhist remains in is close to this rock, and its name of Nagara Afghanistan ought not to close without mention Gundi or the “Nagara Tope," may be derived of Mr. Beglar's work at Ali Masjid. I have from the name of the ancient town. The position not yet had the satisfaction of seeing the results, was a good one for a site. It had the Kabul
but judging from photographs which that gentleriver on the north, and the Surkhåb on the west, man kindly sent me, I believe that the remains and there is a small stream on its eastern side. he brought to light will be of the utmost value On the south are lines of mounds, evidently the as bearing not only on the Greek influence but remains of walls, which formed its defences on on the Assyrian style, which is very distinct at that quarter. Across the Kabul river, extending Ali Masjid, and also in the topes of the Jalalabad from the Phil Khâna group of caves, and topes, valley.
CORRESPONDENCE AND MISCELLANEA. A FOLKLORE PARALLEL.
|escape ? Come and help me to pursue him, I have stumbled upon the Sicilian version | Then the lions spring up, and set out in pursuit of the principal incident in the story of Spinga- of the prince. (The prince was mounted upon bhuja in the Katha Sarit Sdgara, vii., 39 (see the horse as in the Norwegian story.) 'Look Indian Antiquary, vol. VIII. p. 37).
round,' said the horse, and see what there is It is to be found in Sicilianische Märchen aus behind you. Ah ! dear horse,' said the prince, dem Volksmund gesammelt von Loura Gonzenbach 'the lovely one is pursuing us with two lions. (Leipzig: 1870) zweiter Theil, p. 55. Die Geschichte Do not be afraid,' said the horse,' throw a pomevon der Pata Morgana.
granate behind you.' Then the prince threw a "A prince carries off successfully a bottle full pomegranate behind him, and immediately a of the schweisz' of Fata Morgana. He has broad river was produced, flowing with pure been enabled to perform this exploit by the help blood. Fata Morgana and the two lions fonnd of a horse, who is really the brother of Fata Mor- great difficulty in crossing it, and when they had gana transformed by enchantment. But before reached the other side, the prince had got a good leaving the castle, where he obtained this precious start of them. But Fata Morgana was swifter than liquid, he is imprudent enough to strip off Fata the horse, and soon gained on the prince. Look Morgana's seven veils and give her a kiss.
round again,' said the horse, and see what you "Fata Morgana was awaked by the kiss, and can see.' 'Ah, dear horse, Fata Morgana is close when she saw that her veils had been taken off, behind us. Never mind, throw the second pomeshe sprang up in order to pursue the prince. granate behind you. Then the prince threw the "O lions, said she, why did you let this youth second pomegranate behind him, and immediately
• Vie de Hiouen Theang, pp. 76, 294; Mém. sur les Cont. Occid. tom. I. p. 96, tom. II. p. 302.-ED.