The Commentary of Father Monserrate 2.4.6

2.4.6

In steep parts of the crag are underground temples and houses. The Fathers were astonished to see, carved in the wall of the vestibule of one temple, thirteen rude statues, of half length only; the middle one of these is (judging by the style and position) that of Christ: six are to the right and six to the left of this, and appear to represent the Apostles. But it cannot definitely be proved whom the statues are intended to represent, since they lack the characteristic insignia of Christian sacred images. It is clear, however, that they were not placed there by Musalmans, as these show no reverence for such images, but ill-treat and break them. I am well aware of the fact that three hundred years ago this district was inhabited by Christians, who were, alas, defeated in various battles by the Musalmans, and so effectively crushed that all memory of Christianity has perished from the minds of men. The Musalmans might readily learn to expiate this sin ('if only they were wise enough) from observing the fact that they are everywhere made fools of by the wiles, deceptions and lying tricks of worthless rascals. For a few years ago there lived in this very city a certain villain named Baba Capurius, a follower of Muhammad, who revived the fast disappearing habit of drinking intoxicating liquors, and discovered a certain new drink, made of poppy pods steeped in water.