The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c28.87

c28.87

The hostages were treated, as beseemed their princely rank, with the utmost consideration, and were assigned suitable residences at different Buddhist monasteries for each of the three seasons—the hot, the cold, and the rains. During the time of the summer heats, when the burning plains are not pleasant to live in, they enjoyed the cool breezes at a Hīnayānist monastery named Sha-lo-ka, perhaps meaning 'the Kāshgar monastery', situated in the hills of Kapisa, the modern Kāfiristān, beyond Kābul, which was erected specially for their accommodation. During the spring and autumn, including the rainy season, they resided in Gandhāra, no doubt at the capital; while they spent the cold weather at an unidentified place in the Eastern Panjāb, to which the name of Chīnabhukti, or 'the Chinese allotment', was given in consequence. They were reputed to have introduced the pear and peach, previously unknown in that part of India, during their residence at Chīnabhukti. One of their number, before returning home, deposited a rich store of gold and jewels for the endowment of the Kapisa establishment, and they all continued to recognize the generosity with which they had been treated by remitting offerings for the benefit of the brethren. The grateful monks adorned their walls with paintings representing their guests, who are said to have been somewhat like Chinamen in appearance and dress. When Hiuen Tsang resided at the Kapisa monastery, during the rainy season of A. D. 630, he found that his hosts still cherished the memory of their benefactors, and celebrated services in their honour. He also stayed for fourteen months in A. D. 633-4 at the hostages' monastery in Chīnabhukti.