The Geography of the Puranas c7.s5.75

c7.s5.75

It would be observed that the Purāṇic location of peaks on the western Niṣadha (Hindūkush) range tallies exactly with the position of peaks as depicted in the sketch. Trichi Mir is the Purāṇic Trikūṭa whose three majestic peaks T32, T56 and T65 represent the Hindu Trinity, i.e. Mahādeva (Śaṅkara), Brahmā and Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa) respectively. The main range shown on the sketch and which skirts the Pyandzh in the south is associated with Viṣṇu, though no specific names or associations are indicated for Sidi Istragh or Lankho. The Purāṇas also mention that on the northern and southern slopes and at the foot of the main range lived the barbarians (i.e., 'Demons') while north of Trichi Mir-in the valley of the Oxus and the upper and middle Kokcha valley there were many cities of Devas (or civilised people). These cities of Devas refer to the settlements of Afghan Badakshan which have been mentioned by Holditch¹ in these terms: