大唐西域記 2.5

2.5

若其封疆之域，可得而言。五印度之境，周九萬餘里。三垂大海，北背雪山。北廣南狹，形如半月，畫野區分，七十餘國。時特暑熱，地多泉濕。北乃山阜隱軫，丘陵舃鹵；東則川野沃潤，疇壠膏腴；南方草木榮茂；西方土地磽确。斯大概也，可略言焉。

The countries embraced under this term of India are generally spoken of as the five Indies. In circuit this country is about 90,000 li; on three sides it is bordered by the great sea; on the north it is backed by the Snowy Mountains. The north part is broad, the southern part is narrow. Its shape is like the half-moon. The entire land is divided into seventy countries or so. The seasons are particularly hot; the land is well watered and humid. The north is a continuation of mountains and hills, the ground being dry and salt. On the east there are valleys and plains, which being well watered and cultivated, are fruitful and productive. The southern district is wooded and herbaceous; the western parts are stony and barren. Such is the general account of this country.