The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c11.6

c11.6

Hwen Thsang describes the *yojana* as equal to 8 *kroṣas*, or kos, of 500 *dhanus*, or "bow lengths" of 4 cubits each. The *yojana* would therefore be only 24,000 feet, or a little more than 4½ miles. But in all the Hindu books the *yojana* is reckoned at 4 *kroṣas*, either of 1000 or of 2000 *dhanus* or bow lengths. The former value agrees with the length of the *yojana* as stated by Hwen Thsang, and the latter is the double measure of about 9 miles, which gives the common kos of 2¼ miles that is in use in many parts of India at the present day.