The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c5.s1.t11.46

c5.s1.t11.46

The enormous *stupa* of Kanishka, which stood close to the holy tree on its south side, is described by all the pilgrims. In A.D. 500 Fa-Hian says that it was about 400 feet high, and “adorned with all manner of precious things,” and that fame reported it as superior to all other topes in India. One hundred years later, Sung-Yun declares that “amongst the topes of western countries this is the first.” Lastly, in A.D. 630, Hwen Thsang describes it as upwards of 400 feet in height and 1½ *li*, or just one quarter of a mile, in circumference. It contained a large quantity of the relics of Buddha. No remains of this great *stupa* now exist.