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Digital Archive of Toyo Bunko Rare Books
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Sand-Buried Ruins of Khotan : vol.1 |
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supplement my former observations, they did not bring to light
novel features requiring detailed mention here. In regard to
materials and mode of construction all the buildings resembled
each other closely, showing plainly that they had been built and
probably also deserted in approximately the same period. But their
state of preservation greatly differed, according to the measure in
which they had been exposed to the erosive action of the winds and
the equally destructive diggings of "treasure-seekers." In some
instances I came upon unmistakable evidence of their operations
even in structures that had since been covered up again by deep
sand.
Thus in a small temple-cella the well-moulded octagonal base of
the principal image had been dug into from behind in search of
supposed treasure. Yet the votive tablets that had been leaning
against its foot in front were left untouched, and equally so a fairly
thick packet of manuscript leaves comprising probably more than
one 'Pothi.' But, alas! the damp rising from the floor when water
still reached this neighbourhood had here done its work of de-
struction far more effectively than the "treasure-seekers" ever could.
The leaves of paper had decayed completely into compact layers,
which could not be detached from the hardened crust of what once
was dust enveloping them. Ultimately these lumps of earth had
to be cut off as a whole from the ground to which they adhered;
but even with the utmost care in slicing, the flakes of paper since
laid bare reveal only fragmentary groups of Brahmi characters.
The upper board of wood which once covered one of these books,
and which I was able to remove in a half-rotten condition, figures
now as an instructive relic in my collection of ancient manuscripts
and writing implements.
But opportunities for interesting antiquarian observations were by
no means restricted to the finds which the excavation of extant
ruins yielded. A careful survey of their surroundings also taught
much that helps us to reconstruct the general aspects and con-
ditions of the life which once flourished here. I have already
referred to those strange witnesses of ancient orchards and avenues,
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573
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