Indian Antiquary Vol 07

Author(s): Jas Burgess
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 36

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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
(JANUARY, 1878.
Five faithful officers of his bodyguard remained interest some in the days when Spiritualism has by him. It happened that some time before, in many adherents. The old king, when his rea fit of anger, he had caused his son to be im. lations with the Trichinkpalli ruler were friendly, prisoned, and one of his followers, reminding him need to resort regularly and pay his devotions of this, said that now was the time for pardon. at Srirangam, the great temple adjoining "It is well," said the old king, "let him be Trichinkpalli, and on the very time of his falling brought." On his appearance, the son, bowing to 1 in combat it is said that he appeared at Sriran. his father with closed hands, uttered this verse- gam with all his children, wives, and followers "The sea buries jewels and throws up a straw, who perished with him, whereat the attendant Of the treacherous element that is the law; Brahmaņa said, "See! here is the Tanjor king But, father and ruler, we'll show now to them come to pay his visit to the Lord of SriranThat a straw is a straw, but a gem is a gem." gam;" and, taking them all to the inner shrine,
Then Achyuta Vijaya Raghava they gave them the sacred tulsi, and put the Rája embraced his son, and commanded the customary crowns upon their heads, when the signal to be given to the women. Instantly a king with all his retinue, entering the inner retremendous explosion took place, and the palace cess, disappeared, and were seen no more. Therewas filled with fire and smoke,walls fell crashing, upon all the Brahmans exclaimed in amazeand flames spread fast. Again the Trichinapalliment, " Here is a miracle !" commander, coming forward, offered terms. One reflection occurs. These tales, and many "Once we have spoken," was the reply," and use like them, are told amongst the people, and the no double speech. Is life or honour greatest ? countries in which the scenes are laid now form We through all ruin will keep our honour. three contiguous zillas. Many of the palaces Cease words, and come and fight with us." and forts bailt by those bygone kings still reThen the five devoted followers, rushing in turn main, and some are used as law-courts and before the king, fell after slaying many; and dwelling-places, but though the strangers from lastly the king and his son, sword in hand, the West who sit in them deal ont peace and attacked the foe, and were slain, after each had justice, they can hardly replace in the heart and cut down several.
imagination of the people the stirring times and The ohronicle adds a circumstance which may bold deeds of the rulers of their own race.
MISCELLANEA. GOLDEN MASKS.
| mon use, and a gold one for festivals, both bearing The golden mask found by Dr. Schliemann at the semblance of an ordinary Markthå face." Mykêne has somewhat perplexed savants, who find Doubtless further investigation would show it difficult to account for the presence of such an this custom to be not peculiar to Sivaji's family. article where it was found. Without pretending but to be widely spread in India. We may have to solve the difficulty, I wish to note a use of
here the sui vival of an ancient Aryan practice golden masks in this country which may perhaps which has died out among the Aryan races in give some clue. In the royal family of Kolhapur Europe. it has been the custom to build temples, dedicated
EDWARD W. WEST. to the tutelary deity of the family, in memory of
Sangli, 12th Oct. 1877. deceased Rajas. In one instance I know of a golden mask, supposed to represent the Raja SEPULCHRAL URNS IN THE DISTRICT OF whose memory was thus to be perpetuated, being
KOIMBATUR. presented to the temple, to be affixed to the head In the Indian Antiquary, vol. VL p. 279, there of the image, and I believe this instance is not a appeared an interesting article by the Right solitary one.
Reverend Bishop Caldwell on the sepulchral In Mr. Nairne's Historical Sketch of the Konkan urns found in various parts of the district of (p. 72) he mentiong & temple (at Sindhudurg, on Tinnivelly. A well-informed friend, whose atthe coast) dedicated to Sivaji where "the idol tention I drew to that article, has favoured me which represents him has a silver mask for com. with valuable information on similar exhumations
For further information on this subject see Ind. Ant. IV. pp. 12, 18, 306; rol. V. pp. 159, 160, 256, 256 ; vol. VI. vol. I. pp. 150, 151 ; vol. II. pp. 7-10, 86-88, 223-228, 275- pp. 41 od 230.-ED. 278; vol. III. pp. 34-86, 53, 54, 277, 278, 306-308; vol.