[183] Literally the science (veda) of the bow (dhanush). This weapon, as everything amongst the Hindus, had a divine origin; it was of three kinds—the common bow, the pellet or stone bow, and the crossbow or catapult.
[184] It is a disputed point whether the ancient Hindus did or did not know the use of gunpowder.
[185] It is said to have discharged balls, each 6,400 pounds in weight.
[186] A kind of Mercury, a god with the head and wings of a bird, who is the Vahan or vehicle of the second person of the Triad, Vishnu.
[187] The celebrated burning springs of Baku, near the Caspian, are so called. There are many other ‘fire mouths.’
[188] The Hindu Styx.
[189] From Yaksha, to eat; as Rakshasas are from Raksha to preserve. See Hardy’s Manual of Buddhism, p. 57.
[190] Shiva is always painted white, no one knows why. His wife Gauri has also a European complexion. Hence it is generally said that the sect popularly called ‘Thugs,’ who were worshippers of these murderous gods, spared Englishmen, the latter being supposed to have some rapport with their deities.
[191] The Hindu shrine is mostly a small building, with two inner compartments, the vestibule and the Garbagriha, or adytum, in which stands the image.
[192] Meaning Kali of the cemetery (Smashana); another form of Durga.