this, together with the protracted nature of the siege, so enraged the conqueror that he ordered the noses and lips of every male in the town, above twelve years of age, to be cut off; those only being spared who could play on wind instruments, and who therefore might be of use as musicians in the army of the victor. In connection with this episode an indigenous history, with an eye to picturesque facts, adds that "these noses weighed seventeen dharnis (about 80 lb.), and the people thus mutilated were 865."
Needless to relate that Kirtipur never recovered from this conquest, and now is little better than a collection of ruins, inhabited by only 4000 souls. But what remains indicates that this city boasted of many fine buildings embellished with the characteristic art of the Newars. The durbar is much damaged, but the principal temple is in a good state, and is unique, inasmuch as it is dedicated to Bagh Bhairab—Bhairava as a tiger—the shrine containing an effigy of this animal, which is here regarded as very sacred. Grouped about are many other edifices, carved
