"معاملات الجمعية الجغرافية في بومباي، من يناير ١٨٤٧ حتى مايو ١٨٤٩. تحرير السكرتير. المجلد VIII." [‎٣‎١‎٤] (٤٩٦/٤٢٣)

314
from want of skill, or impatience in the scuptor, were ill wrought and
indistinct. The shape of the stone, with its inscribed legend, I copied
as under.
E YMEN H2 AHM HTFIO Y
~iAMAPITHSXAlPE
~ IniTA + ION
rAPONAP^iNOHSOE
"PAIENIENHAHMH
tpiovyionhepinme
This monumental fragment is said to have been found in a graveyard
contiguous to the Khan ; and an ancient elevated tumulus in the plain,
at a short distance separated from it, would lead us to the conclusion
that both were erected over the ashes of some eminent leaders of
antiquity. It is not unlikely, indeed, that this fine plain was formerly
the theatre of some decisive battle ; and, although it is purely conjectural,
we may, perhaps, assign it as the scene of conflict between some of the
rival Generals who swayed the destinies of this part of Asia subsequent
to the death of Alexander, and the tablet may therefore be commemo
rative of the name of some brave but ill-fated Macedonian, who, in
that time of anarchy, fell a victim to the prevailing ambition. ^
endeavoured to possess this interesting relic, but could not overcome
scrupulous jealousy of the natives, who, ignorant of its real charactei,
look upon it as a talisman, on which the well-being of the district ma
terially depends. They attributed to its presence an exemption
famine and pestilence, which they are convinced would assail them m
event of its abstraction; and, though offering no objections to our co^y
ing it, were firm in opposing any attempts for its removal.