EARLY ARAB GEOGRAPHERS.
opinion that each part[1] is nine times larger than Irán. It is situated in three Iklím» (climes); the western portion is in the third clime, and the eastern in the first, but the chief portion of Hind is included in the second climate. Its central territory is called Madades, which means “the middle land.” The Persians call it Kanauj. It is called the Madades, because it lies between the seas and mountains, between the hot and cold countries, and between the two extremities of west and east. It was the capital of the great, haughty, and proud despots of India. Sind lies on the west of this territory. If any one wishes to come from Nímroz, i.e. the country of Sijistán, or Irán to this country, he will have to pass through Kábul. The city of Kanauj stands on the western bank of the Ganges.[2] It was formerly a most magnificent city, but in consequence of its being deserted by its ruler, it has now fallen into neglect and ruin, and Bárí, which is three days' journey from it on the eastern side of the Ganges is now the capital. Kanauj is as celebrated for the descendants of the Pándavas as Máhúra (Mattra) is on account of Básdeo (Krishna.) The river Jumna lies to the east of this city, and there is a distance of twenty-seven parasangs between the two rivers. The city of Thánesar is situated between the rivers, nearly seventy parasangs north of Kanauj, and fifty parasangs from Máhúra (Mattra). The Ganges issues from its source, called Gangdwár, and waters many of the cities of India.
Those who have not personally ascertained the relative distances of the cities of Hind from each other, must be dependent on the information derived from travellers.
In stating these distances we will begin from Kanauj. In going towards the south, between the rivers Jumna and Ganges, you arrive at a place called Jájmau,[3] at a distance of twelve parasangs, each parasang being equal to four miles; eight parasangs from that
- ↑ [The Arabic says “each part,” and the Persian has a blank where these words should come in.]
- ↑ [Binákití, who quotes portions of this chapter, adds—“which comes from the city of Turmuz, through the mountains of the east.”]
- ↑ M. Reinaud reads Haddjamava. There can be little doubt that Jájmau, close to Kánhpúr, (Cawnpoor) is meant. It is a town of great antiquity.
