The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c4.36

c4.36

The division of India into five great provinces would appear to have been the most popular one during the early centuries of the Christian era, as it was adopted by the Chinese pilgrims, and from them by all Chinese writers. According to the Vishnu Purâna,‡ the centre was occupied by the Kurus and Pânchâlas; in the east was Kâmarupa, or Assam; in the south were the Pundras, Kalingas, and Magadhas; in the west were the Surâshtras, Suras, Abhîras, Arbudas, Kárushas, Málavas, Sauvîras, and Saindhavas; and in the north the Hunas, Sâlwas, Sákalas, Rámas, Ambashtas, and Parásikas.