204 KAZVINI'S PERSIAN ACCOUNT OF SOMNATH al-Istakhri, who journeyed through India and other Mohammedan countries in the first half of the tenth century. His note is as follows: ' The idol has a human shape and is seated with its legs bent in a quadrangular posture on a throne made of brick and mortar. Its whole body is covered with a red skin like morocco leather, and nothing but its eyes are visible. Some believe that the body is made of wood, some deny this; but the body is not allowed to be un- covered to decide this point. The eyes of the idol are precious gems, and its head is covered with a crown of gold. It sits in a quadrangular position on the throne, its hands resting upon its knees, with the fingers closed, so that only four can be counted. '
