大唐西域記 3.39

3.39

迦濕彌羅國，周七千餘里。四境負山，山極陗峻，雖有門徑，而復隘狹，自古隣敵無能攻伐。國大都城西臨大河，南北十二三里，東西四五里。宜稼穡，多花果，出龍種馬及欝金香、火珠、藥草。氣序寒勁，多雪少風。服毛褐，衣白㲲。土俗輕僄，人多怯懦。國為龍護，遂雄隣境。容貌妍美，情性詭詐。好學多聞，邪正兼信。伽藍百餘所，僧徒五千餘人。有四窣堵波，並無憂王建也，各有如來舍利升餘。

The kingdom of Kasmir is about 7000 li in circuit, and on all sides it is enclosed by mountains. These mountains are very high. Although the mountains have passes through them, these are narrow and contracted. The neighbouring states that have attacked it have never succeeded in subduing it. The capital of the country on the west side is bordered by a great river. It (the capital) is from north to south 12 or 13 li, and from east to west 4 or 5 li. The soil is fit for producing cereals, and abounds with fruits and flowers. Here also are dragon-horses and the fragrant turmeric, the yu-kin, and medicinal plants.

The climate is cold and stern. There is much snow but little wind. The people wear leather doublets and clothes of white linen. They are light and frivolous, and of a weak, pusillanimous disposition. As the country is protected by a dragon, it has always assumed superiority among neighbouring people. The people are handsome in appearance, but they are given to cunning. They love learning and are well instructed. There are both heretics and believers among them. There are about 100 sangharamas and 5000 priests. There are four stupas built by Asoka-raja. Each of these has about a pint measure of relics of Tathagata. The history of the country says : This country was once a dragon lake. In old times the Lord Buddha was returning to the middle kingdom (India) after subduing a wicked spirit in U-chang-na (Udyana), and when in mid-air, just over this country, he addressed Ananda thus : " After my Nirvana, the Arhat Madhyantika will found a kingdom in this land, civilise (pacify) the people, and by his own effort spread abroad the law of Buddha."