The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c19.s9.91

v1.c19.s9.91

Around the *gāma*, which appears to have been classed as of the country (*janapada*)⁷, of the border (*paccanta*)⁸, or as suburban, lay its *khetta*, or pastures, and its woodland or uncleared jungle:—primeval forest like the Andhavana of Kosala, the Sītavana of Magadha, the Pācīnavamsa-dāya of the Sākiya Territory, retreats traditionally haunted by wild beasts and by gentler woodland sprites, and where Māra, the Lucifer of seductive evil influences, might appear in one shape or another⁹. Different from these were such suburban groves as the Bamboo Grove belonging to Magadha's king, the Añjanavana of Sāketa, the Jetavana of Sāvatthī. Through those other uncleared woodlands and moorlands, where the folk went to gather their firewood and litter¹, ran caravan routes, roads that were at times difficult because of swampy passages after rain, and here and there dangerous, less on account of aggressive beasts than because of brigands, not to mention demonic bipeds².