XIX.
Hindoo Temple at Secunderabad.
This temple stands at the end of one of the streets in Secunderabad. It is remarkable for the profusion of curious figures, representing Hindoo deities, with which it is covered. Secunderabad, or Alexander Town, from the Persian word Secunder, signifying Alexander, and Abad, a dwelling, is about five miles from Hyderabad. It is a British Military Cantonment of considerable importance. The situation of Secunderabad is striking, standing by the side of a large tank or lake, three miles in length by two broad, and amidst granitic hills of rugged and picturesque forms. The tank, which is called the Hussein Sagor, or Sea of Hussein, was constructed in the reign of Hussein Kootub Shah of Golconda at an expense of, it is said, fifteen lacs or £150,000. The bund, or bank, which holds the water is a mile long, and its greatest perpendicular height seventy-two feet, being one of the largest earthen mounds for confining water in India. This tank is used for irrigation, and yields a large revenue.
