EARLY ARAB GEOGRAPHERS.
lowing the shore it takes two days to reach Bás, which is a large place where you can take passage to Sarandíp. From Bás to Sají[1] and ’Askán, is two days' journey, in which latter place rice is cultivated. From 'Askán to Kúra three and a half parasangs, where several rivers discharge. Prom Kúra to Kilakán, Lúár and Kanja,[2] is two days' journey, in all which wheat and rice are cultivated, and into which the wood of aloes is imported from Kámúl and other neighbouring places, by the fresh-water route[3] in fifteen days. From Samundar to U′rasír[4] is twelve parasangs; this is a great country, where are elephants, buffaloes, and other cattle, and various merchantable commodities. The king of this country is very powerful. From U′rasír to Ainá is four days' journey, where also elephants and asses are met with. [From Hubalin(?) to Sarandíp, two days.]
[After this follows the description of Pic d’ Adam. In another place the author continues his account of India in these words:—]
There are seven classes of Hindus, viz., 1st, Sábkufuría,[5] among whom are men of high caste, and from among whom kings are chosen. The people of the other six classes do the men of this class homage, and them only. 2nd, Brahma, who totally abstain from wine and fermented liquors. 3rd, Kataría, who drink not more than three cups of wine; the daughters of the class of Brahma are not given in marriage to the sons of this class, but the Brahmas take their daughters. 4th, Súdariá, who are by profession husbandmen. The 5th, Baisurá, are artificers and domestics. The 6th, Sandália, who perform menial offices. 7th, Lahúd;[6] their women are fond of adorn-
- ↑ ["Sandy." P.]
- ↑ [Sir H. Elliot's text and translation had “Kankan, Malwa and Kanja,” but Idrísí reproduces the names as “Kilkáyán, Lulu and Kanja.” There can therefore be no doubt that the Paris version now given is most correct. Kúra (Kaikasar in Idrísí) would seem to be near the mouths of the Coleroon. Kánchi is the old name of Konjeveram.]
- ↑ [Sprenger suggests the Godavery (Post-und Reiserouten, 80), but this cannot be if Kanja is Kánchi.]
- ↑ [“U′rtasír” in the Paris version, for which the editor suggests Kashmír; but U′r-desa [Orissa] is surely intended. The following name “Aina” may possibly be meant for Andhra [Telingana]. Sprenger says “Palmiras”?]
- ↑ [Elliot's text made the first syllable “Sám.” The Paris version says “Sabakferya (B. les Sabiens; Ed. Sakrya).”]
- ↑ [“Lee Zenya musiciens et jongleurs.” P.]
