A Burmese wonderland; a tale of travel in Lower and ... - Khamkoo

A BURMESE WONDERLAND. 143
neither so spacious nor so exquisitely finished. But
they are none the less extensive and attractive. The
bare Umbs of tdyok zaga trees forming a tracery of
branches across the sky, and crowned with masses of
white blossom, give the rocky hill a pecuhar charm.
Barking-deer are seen near the caves, and the Uttle
monkeys which clamber about the rocks are tame
enough to claim their share of picnic feasts. The
numerous caves are cut out of the hill-side in terraces.
Many are small, simple cells, containing one or more
images of the Buddha. Others wind in and out through
the rock without apparent design, and with unexpected
chapels and recesses here and there. Such a one is
appropriately called the Wingaba, or " maze."^ Others
again, Uke the Ko-sin-taing (" Nine Steps "), and the
Shwe-tha-lyaung, are altogether more lofty,
spacious and
elaborate. The Ko-sin-taing, which is reputed to be
one of the oldest caves, measures 36 feet by 20. It is
about 20 feet high. The vaulted roof is supported by
two massive octagonal pillars hewn out of the solid
rock. A colossal hewn figure of a seated Buddha
occupies the altar ; and four large Belus, or Demons,
oi grotesque and uncommon design, guard the entrances.
Throughout this system of caves the doors are
highly ornamented with the scroll-Uke design so typical
of Burma. In many shrines the interiors are lavishly
decorated with painted frescoes and glass mosaics of
* The meaning of the word Wingaba is explained on page 21
of my A Burmese Loneliness.