The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c15.96

v1.c15.96

Narrow gauge lines branch through Rājputāna in the direction of Delhi, past the foot of Mount Abu, which rises like an island of granite from amid the sandy desert. The top of Abu is a small rugged plateau, measuring fourteen miles by four, in the midst of which is the Gem Lake, a most beautiful sheet of water, set with rocky islands and overhung with great masses of rock. The house of the Resident of Rājputāna is on its shore, for Mount Abu is the centre from which Rājputāna is controlled, so far as is necessary, by the advice of the Viceroy. The summit of Abu also bears some famous ruins of Jain temples.