there is a mystical tetrastich, signifying that the cost Bejapour, of the edifice was equivalent to L. 700,000, and it is said that 6533 workmen were employed on it 36 years, 11 months, and 11 days. Six graves are inclosed by the sepulchral chamber, which are always covered with a fine white cloth. Above it is a cupola: and the mosque is surmounted by another immense dome, supported on arches. The whole edifice is finished with a profusion of ornaments in the highest style of embellishment. There is also in Bejapour the tomb of Aurungzebe's queen, who was mother of his favourite son, consisting simply of beautiful white marble. Bejapour. neat small town on the south-west. The ditch, originally a formidable obstacle, is excavated from the rock on which it stands. The curtain or wall is of great height, probably 40 feet, entirely composed of huge stones, strongly cemented together, and frequently ornamented with sculptures of lions and tigers. It is flanked by numerous great towers, built of similar materials, and some with orna. ments resembling a cornice at the top. The fort has seven entrances, five of which are in use, and the other two are shut. On the south-west side it is entered by three gates, near to the innermost of which is a tank, or artificial pond, about 300 feet long, by 225 broad, environed by steps descending to the water, and surrounded by an inclosure of fine stone houses, through which it is reached by an arched passage 50 feet wide. Several distinct towns are contained within that part called the fort, with neat bazars or market-places; and there are many splendid edifices, on which all the embellishments of eastern taste and magnificence have been lavished. Among the first which claims admiration, is a great mosque, commenced by Mahomet Adil Shah, king of Bejapour, who died in the year 1660, and continued by his successors. The main body extends 291 feet by 195, and there is a wing projecting from each end 219 feet long by 45 broad, inclosing toge ther, with the main body, a large reservoir and a fountain. Five lofty arches spread along the whole extent of the eastern front, under the centre of which are a few steps leading up into the building. The interior is richly ornamented with passages from the Koran, with the names of God, Mahomet, or the Caliphs, in relief; the groundwork enamelled, and the letters polished or gilt. In a mausoleum, 153 feet square, the body of the Shah reposes. There are circular buildings on the external angles, which, as well as the wall, rise about 100 feet high. Its grand entrance is very lofty, and highly adorned with sculptured inscriptions, and other ornaments. This sepulchral chamber is surmounted by a great dome, whose internal diameter is 117 feet, a vault under the centre of which contains the royal remains. But the dome is much neglected, and shrubs and weeds find root in it, which must occasion. premature decay. The whole is executed in a style of plain and simple grandeur. Without the fort, in the exterior city, there is a mosque of still larger dimensions, and the mausoleum of Ibrahim, another king of Bejapour, who seems to have completed it about the year 1620. The mosque is 390 feet in length, by 156 in breadth. Fronting it, at the distance of 40 yards, is the mausoleum, 57 feet square, inclosed by two virandas, the inner 13 feet broad and 22 feet high, the outer 20 feet broad by 30 in height, supported by seven arches in each face, which are beautifully ornamented above. The sides of the chamber are sculptured in the most elaborate manner with flowers on a blue ground resembling enamel, and sacred passages, as before, in relief, cut out of a black stone, and polished as highly as a mirror. The doors are studded with gilt knobs, and the doorways are adorned with a variety of ornaments exquisitely executed. Around the southern entrance, This city, as we have already seen, is equally distinguished by its fortifications. Indeed, everything here appears on a gigantic scale; and among the most remarkable objects, may be enumerated some enormous cannon, said to be twelve in number, deposited in different places. Many more were originally employed in its defence. Three of these are particu larly described; the first, contained in a great tower on the south-east side of the fort, is a Malabar gun composed of iron bars hooped together, and han mered smooth; its dimensions are as follows: This enormous gun is called Moolk e Meidan, or the Sovereign of the Plains, and it would carry an iron shot of 2646 lbs. It is beautifully wrought with se veral ornamental devices, particularly about the muz zle, and its polish is almost equal to that of glass. Several Persian and Arabic inscriptions appear upon in elegant characters, one of them, according to English travellers, purporting that it was cast by Aurung zebe, the famous Mogul emperor, on his conquest of it Bejapour. the city in 1689; but we observe that some eastern historians affirm that he only substituted this inscription on erazing a previous one, and that during the siege of Bejapour, the shot of Moolk e Meidan damaged the mosque and mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah. This gun had a companion of equal size, called Kurk e Bedjlée, or Thunder and Lightning, which was carried to Poonah, and is supposed to have been melted down. Probably no European cannon of equal size are known; Mons-Meg, a celebrated gun, now in the Tower of London, whither it was removed from Edinburgh Castle, is only of 20 inches calibre, and tapers downwards. Poonali. The inner fort or citadel, though a mile in circuit, is compared to a speck in the space occupied by the outer one. It is a place of great strength, consisting of a curtain, frequent large towers, a ditch, and covert way; the whole composed of massy materials, well constructed. The ditch, which was formerly supplied with water, is in most parts 100 yards wide, but the rubbish now filling it precludes any calculation of its original depth. The citadel itself is gained through several gates; but withm it is a heap of ruins; and only one edifice, a beautiful small mosque, is in complete repair. Here were the palaces of the kings; the front of one of which is formed of three arches; that in the middle 87 feet wide. It has been observed, that all the arches in the city of Bejapour are Gothic, except those in the remains of a fine black stone palace in the citadel, built by Ibrahim Shah, where they are elliptic. square, and washed on the north by the river Moota; Bejapour. These are only a few of the public edifices contained Poonah, the capital of the formidable empire Punderpour is a flourishing and populous city, 86 Pundermiles south-east of Poonah, situate in a fertile and pour. pleasant country, on the river Beemah, by which it is sometimes inundated. Though not of great extent, it is regularly and well built; the streets are broad, paved, and adorned with many handsome houses, the first storey consisting of stone, and the second of red brick, which has a very agreeable effect. The Peshwa and most of the principal members of the Mahratta government have elegant mansions in Punderpour, whither they retire as a relaxation from the fatigues of business. Besides native products, many articles of European manufacture are to be obtained here, as the merchants have connections with those of Bombay. Among other towns in the province of Bejapour, Hubely and there are two of considerable size, called Hubely Huttany. and Huttany. The appearance of the former, which is situate in a district well wooded and watered, and in a high state of cultivation, bespeaks industry and comfort. An extensive inland traffic is carried on by its inhabitants, and a commercial intercourse is conducted with the east, principally through the medium of Goa, whence, in return for sandal-wood and elephants' teeth, they receive raw silk, cotton, and woollen stuffs. The bankers, who are rich and numerous, extend their transactions to Hyderabad, Seringapatam, and Surat: and the mar kets are so well attended, that the streets are scarcely passable from the crowd. There are two forts here, now very defenceless, from nearly being en vironed by houses; but the town has frequently been an object of competition between contending there is a mystical tetrastich, signifying that the eost Bejapour, of the edifice was equivalent to L. 700,000, and it is said that 6533 workmen were employed on it 36 years, 11 months, and 11 days. Six graves are inclosed by the sepulchral chamber, which are always covered with a fine white cloth. Above it is a cupola: and the mosque is surmounted by another immense dome, supported on arches. The whole edifice is finished with a profusion of ornaments in the highest style of embellishment. There is also in Bejapour the tomb of Aurungzebe's queen, who was mother of his favourite son, consisting simply of beautiful white marble. Bejapour. neat small town on the south-west. The ditch, originally a formidable obstacle, is excavated from the rock on which it stands. The curtain or wall is of great height, probably 40 feet, entirely composed of huge stones, strongly cemented together, and frequently ornamented with sculptures of lions and tigers. It is flanked by numerous great towers, built of similar materials, and some with ornaments resembling a cornice at the top. The fort has seven entrances, five of which are in use, and the other two are shut. On the south-west side it is entered by three gates, near to the innermost of which is a tank, or artificial pond, about 300 feet long, by 225 broad, environed by steps descending to the water, and surrounded by an inclosure of fine stone houses, through which it is reached by an arched passage 50 feet wide. Several distinct towns are contained within that part called the fort, with neat bazars or market-places; and there are many splendid edifices, on which all the embellishments of eastern taste and magnificence have been lavished. Among the first which claims admiration, is a great mosque, commenced by Mahomet Adil Shah, king of Bejapour, who died in the year 1660, and continued by his successors. The main body extends 291 feet by 195, and there is a wing projecting from each end 219 feet long by 45 broad, inclosing together, with the main body, a large reservoir and a fountain. Five lofty arches spread along the whole extent of the eastern front, under the centre of which are a few steps leading up into the building. The interior is richly ornamented with passages from the Koran, with the names of God, Mahomet, or the Caliphs, in relief; the groundwork enamelled, and the letters polished or gilt. In a mausoleum, 153 feet square, the body of the Shah reposes. There are circular buildings on the external angles, which, as well as the wall, rise about 100 feet high. Its grand entrance is very lofty, and highly adorned with sculptured inscriptions, and other ornaments. This sepulchral chamber is surmounted by a great dome, whose internal diameter is 117 feet, a vault under the centre of which contains the royal remains. But the dome is much neglected, and shrubs and weeds find root in it, which must occasion premature decay. The whole is executed in a style of plain and simple grandeur. Without the fort, in the exterior city, there is a mosque of still larger dimensions, and the mausoleum of Ibrahim, another king of Bejapour, who seems to have completed it about the year 1620. The mosque is 390 feet in length, by 156 in breadth. Fronting it, at the distance of 40 yards, is the mausoleum, 57 feet square, inclosed by two virandas, the inner 13 feet broad and 22 feet high, the outer 20 feet broad by 30 in height, supported by seven arches in each face, which are beautifully ornamented above. The sides of the chamber are sculptured in the most elaborate manner with flowers on a blue ground resembling enamel, and sacred passages, as before, in relief, cut out of a black stone, and polished as highly as a mirror. The doors are studded with gilt knobs, and the doorways are adorned with a variety of ornaments exquisitely executed. Around the southern entrance, This city, as we have already seen, is equally distinguished by its fortifications. tinguished by its fortifications. Indeed, everything here appears on a gigantic scale; and among the most remarkable objects, may be enumerated some enormous cannon, said to be twelve in number, deposited in different places. Many more were originally em ployed in its defence. Three of these are particu larly described; the first, contained in a great tower on the south-east side of the fort, is a Malabar gun composed of iron bars hooped together, and hanımered smooth; its dimensions are as follows: This enormous gun is called Moolk e Meidan, or the Sovereign of the Plains, and it would carry an iron shot of 2646 lbs. It is beautifully wrought with several ornamental devices, particularly about the muzzle, and its polish is almost equal to that of glass. Several Persian and Arabic inscriptions appear upon in elegant characters, one of them, according to English travellers, purporting that it was cast by Aurungzebe, the famous Mogul emperor, on his conquest of it Bejapour. the city in 1689; but we observe that some eastern historians affirm that he only substituted this inscription on erazing a previous one, and that during the siege of Bejapour, the shot of Moolk e Meidan damaged the mosque and mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah. This gun had a companion of equal size, called Kurk e Bedjlée, or Thunder and Lightning, which was carried to Poonah, and is supposed to have been melted down. Probably no European cannon of equal size are known; Mons-Meg, a celebrated gun, now in the Tower of London, whither it was removed from Edinburgh Castle, is only of 20 inches calibre, and tapers downwards. Poonali. The inner fort or citadel, though a mile in cireuit, is compared to a speck in the space occupied by the outer one. It is a place of great strength, consisting of a curtain, frequent large towers, a ditch, and covert way; the whole composed of massy materials, well constructed. The ditch, which was formerly supplied with water, is in most parts 100 yards wide, but the rubbish now filling it precludes any calculation of its original depth. The citadel itself is gained through several gates; but with it is a heap of ruins; and only one edifice, a beautiful small mosque, is in complete repair. Here were the palaces of the kings; the front of one of which is formed of three arches; that in the middle 87 feet wide. It has been observed, that all the arches in the city of Bejapour are Gothic, except those in the remains of a fine black stone palace in the citadel, built by Ibrahim Shah, where they are elliptic. square, and washed on the north by the river Moota; Bejapour. These are only a few of the public edifices contained Poonah, the capital of the formidable empire Punderpour is a flourishing and populous city, 86 Pundermiles south-east of Poonah, situate in a fertile and pour. pleasant country, on the river Beemah, by which it is sometimes inundated. Though not of great extent, it is regularly and well built; the streets are broad, paved, and adorned with many handsome houses, the first storey consisting of stone, and the second of red brick, which has a very agreeable effect. The Peshwa and most of the principal members of the Mahratta government have elegant mansions in Punderpour, whither they retire as a relaxation from the fatigues of business. Besides native products, many articles of European manufacture are to be obtained here, as the merchants have connections with those of Bombay. Among other towns in the province of Bejapour, Hubely and there are two of considerable size, called Hubely Huttany. and Huttany. The appearance of the former, which is situate in a district well wooded and watered, and in a high state of cultivation, bespeaks industry and comfort. An extensive inland traffic is carried on by its inhabitants, and a commercial intercourse is conducted with the east, principally through the medium of Goa, whence, in return for sandal-wood and elephants' teeth, they receive raw silk, cotton, and woollen stuffs. The bankers, who are rich and numerous, extend their transactions to Hyderabad, Seringapatam, and Surat: and the mar kets are so well attended, that the streets are scarcely passable from the crowd. There are two forts here, now very defenceless, from nearly being environed by houses; but the town has frequently been an object of competition between contending there is a mystical tetrastich, signifying that the eost Bejaponr of the edifice was equivalent to L. 700,000, and it is said that 6533 workmen were employed on it 36 years, 11 months, and 11 days. Six graves are inclosed by the sepulchral chamber, which are always covered with a fine white cloth. Above it is a cupola: and the mosque is surmounted by another immense dome, supported on arches. The whole edifice is finished with a profusion of ornaments in the highest style of embellishment. There is also in Bejapour the tomb of Aurungzebe's queen, who was mother of his favourite son, consisting simply of beautiful white marble. Bejapour. neat small town on the south-west. The ditch, originally a formidable obstacle, is excavated from the rock on which it stands. The curtain or wall is of great height, probably 40 feet, entirely composed of huge stones, strongly cemented together, and frequently ornamented with sculptures of lions and tigers. It is flanked by numerous great towers, built of similar materials, and some with ornaments resembling a cornice at the top. The fort has seven entrances, five of which are in use, and the other two are shut. On the south-west side it is entered by three gates, near to the innermost of which is a tank, or artificial pond, about 300 feet long, by 225 broad, environed by steps descending to the water, and surrounded by an inclosure of fine stone houses, through which it is reached by an arched passage 50 feet wide. Several distinct towns are contained within that part called the fort, with neat bazars or market-places; and there are many splendid edifices, on which all the embellishments of eastern taste and magnificence have been lavished. Among the first which claims admiration, is a great mosque, commenced by Mahomet Adil Shah, king of Bejapour, who died in the year 1660, and continued by his successors. The main body extends 291 feet by 195, and there is a wing projecting from each end 219 feet long by 45 broad, inclosing together, with the main body, a large reservoir and a fountain. Five lofty arches spread along the whole extent of the eastern front, under the centre of which are a few steps leading up into the building. The interior is richly ornamented with passages from the Koran, with the names of God, Mahomet, or the Caliphs, in relief; the groundwork enamelled, and the letters polished or gilt. In a mausoleum, 153 feet square, the body of the Shah reposes. There are circular buildings on the external angles, which, as well as the wall, rise about 100 feet high. Its grand entrance is very lofty, and highly adorned with sculptured inscriptions, and other ornaments. This sepulchral chamber is surmounted by a great dome, whose internal diameter is 117 feet, a vault under the centre of which contains the royal remains. But the dome is much neglected, and shrubs and weeds find root in it, which must occasion premature decay. The whole is executed in a style of plain and simple grandeur. Without the fort, in the exterior city, there is a mosque of still larger dimensions, and the mausoleum of Ibrahim, another king of Bejapour, who seems to have completed it about the year 1620. The mosque is 390 feet in length, by 156 in breadth. Fronting it, at the distance of 40 yards, is the mausoleum, 57 feet square, inclosed by two virandas, the inner 13 feet broad and 22 feet high, the outer 20 feet broad by 30 in height, supported by seven arches in each face, which are beautifully ornamented above. The sides of the chamber are sculptured in the most elaborate manner with flowers on a blue ground resembling enamel, and sacred passages, as before, in relief, cut out of a black stone, and polished as highly as a mirror. The doors are studded with gilt knobs, and the doorways are adorned with a variety of ornaments exquisitely executed. Around the southern entrance, This city, as we have already seen, is equally distinguished by its fortifications. Indeed, everything here appears on a gigantic scale; and among the most remarkable objects, may be enumerated some enormous cannon, said to be twelve in number, deposited in different places. Many more were originally employed in its defence. Three of these are particularly described; the first, contained in a great tower on the south-east side of the fort, is a Malabar gun composed of iron bars hooped together, and hanımered smooth; its dimensions are as follows: This enormous gun is called Moolk e Meidan, or the Sovereign of the Plains, and it would carry an iron shot of 2646 lbs. It is beautifully wrought with several ornamental devices, particularly about the muz zle, and its polish is almost equal to that of glass. Several Persian and Arabic inscriptions appear upon it in elegant characters, one of them, according to English travellers, purporting that it was cast by Aurung zebe, the famous Mogul emperor, on his conquest of |