The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c5.s2.t1.15

c5.s2.t1.15

Srinagari, the old capital of Kashmir prior to the erection of Pravarasenapura, is stated to have been founded by the great Asoka,† who reigned from B.C. 263 to 226. It stood on the site of the present Pándrethán, and is said to have extended along the bank of the river from the foot of the Takht-i-Sulimán to Pántasok, a distance of more than three miles. The oldest temple in Kashmir, on the top of the Takht-i-Sulimân, is identified by the unanimous consent of all the Brahmans of the valley with the temple of Jyeshta Rudra, which was built by Jaloka, the son of Asoka, in Srinagari.‡ This identification is based on the fact that the hill was originally called Jyeshteswara. The old bridge abutments at the village of Pántasok are