Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v1.c20.s3.61

v1.c20.s3.61

Temples.—Besides these monuments of his genius, two consecrated to religion have survived : that of Kumbha Sham, on Abu, which, though worthy to attract notice elsewhere, is here eclipsed by a crowd of more interesting objects ; the other, one of the largest edifices existing, cost upwards of a million sterling, towards which Kumbha contributed eighty thousand pounds. It is erected in the Sadri pass leading from the western descent of the highlands of Mewar, and is dedicated to Rishabhadeva.¹ Its secluded position has preserved it from bigoted fury, and its only visitants now are the wild beasts who take shelter in its sanctuary. Kumbha Rana was also a poet : but in a far more elevated strain than the troubadour princes, his neighbours, who contented themselves with rehearsing their own prowess or celebrating their lady's beauty. He composed a tika, or appendix to the ‘Divine Melodies,’² in praise of Krishna. We can pass no judgment on these inspirations of the royal bard, as we are ignorant whether any are preserved in the records of the house : a point his descendant, who is deeply skilled in such lore, might probably answer.