大唐西域記 12.19

12.19

達摩悉鐵帝國，在兩山間，覩貨邏國故地也。東西千五六百餘里，南北廣四五里，狹則不踰一里。臨縛芻河，盤紆曲折，堆阜高下，沙石流漫，寒風淒烈。唯植麥、豆，少樹林，乏花菓。多出善馬，馬形雖小，而耐馳涉。俗無禮義，人性獷暴。形貌鄙陋，衣服氈褐。眼多碧綠，異於諸國。伽藍十餘所，僧徒寡少。

This country is situated between two mountains. It is an old territory of Tu-ho-lo. From east to west it extends about 1500 or 1600 li; from north to south its width is only 4 or 5 li, and in its narrowest part not more than one li. It lies upon the Oxus (Fo-t'su) river, which it follows along its winding course. It is broken up with hills of different heights, whilst sand and stones lie scattered over the surface of the soil. The wind is icy cold and blows fiercely. Though they sow the ground, it produces but a little wheat and pulse. There are few trees (forest trees), but plenty of flowers and fruits. Here the shen horse is bred. The horse, though small in size, yet easily travels a long distance. The manners of the people have no regard to propriety. The men are rough and violent; their appearance low and ignoble. They wear woollen garments. Their eyes are mostly of a blue colour, and in this respect they differ from people of other countries. There are some ten sanghârâmas, with very few priests (religious followers). The capital of the country is called Hwan-t'o-to. In the middle of it is a sanghârâma built by a former king of this country. In its construction he excavated the side of the hill and filled up the valley. The early kings of this country were not believers in Buddha, but sacrificed only to the spirits worshipped by unbelievers ; but for some centuries the converting power of the true law has been diffused.