Page:Report of a Tour Through the Bengal Provinces of Patna, Gaya, Mongir and Bhagalpur; The Santal Parganas, Manbhum, Singhbhum and Birbhum; Bankura, Raniganj, Bardwan and Hughli in 1872-73.djvu/8

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viii
PREFACE.

Telâḍha, I believe that my identification of it with Hwen Thsang's monastery of Tilaḍhaka is now placed beyond all doubt.

In his account of Râjgir Mr. Beglar has broached a theory regarding the Sattapanni cave, which, in my opinion, is quite untenable. I believe that the only cave in these hills which has any claim to be identified with the famous Sattapani cave is the artificial cave now called Son-bhândâr. This is the only one that has been regularly cut and formed with chisel, like those at Barâbar. It bears also on the outside a row of socket holes, for the ends of the wooden beams of an outer apartment, which agrees with the description of the hall prepared by Ajâtasatru for the reception of the 500 monks who formed the first Buddhist Synod. Lastly, this cave is situated in the south face of the Baibhâr mountain, exactly as described in the Pali annals of Burma.

A. CUNNINGHAM.