Digital Rare Book :
Views in India, China, and the Shores of the Red Sea.
From the Original Sketches by Commander Robert Elliott, R.N.
With descriptions by Emma Roberts
Published by H. Fisher, R. Fisher & P. Jackson, London - 1835

Robert Elliot makes an astute observation in this book as to why many of our places of worship and monuments are in a perpetual state of disrepair...

..."Hindoo Temple, Benares.

To build a temple, plant a tree, or dig a well, are benefits to posterity which are strictly enjoined to the wealthy classes of society, by their religious precepts both of the Moslem and the Hindoo; but as there is no especial clause to ensure the repair of any edifice, the ravages of the climate and the devestations of time, are permitted to go on without any attempt to arrest the progress of destruction. Prevention and cure are held in equal disdain by the natives of India. It is no uncommon thing to see two or three of the lower steps of some splendid ghaut, separated by a couple of feet from the upper flight, which is thus rendered useless; but nobody dreams of restoration, and, should there be any rich person in the neighborhood desirous of dying in the odor of sanctity, instead of repairing the dilapidations, he will construct another ghaut at a little distance. In the event of his decease before the completion of his purpose, there will not be the slightest chance of it's being finished by his heirs or assigns. Everyone is anxious to get a burra naam (great name) for himself, and public spirit does not extend to the sacrifice of personal ambition to general utility.

The history of the pagoda in the plate before us is that of many other buildings of equal beauty in India; the foundation has been suffered to wear away, and the erections, which it should have supported, have fallen into water."...