The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c5.s2.t5.4

c5.s2.t5.4

The capital of *Singhapura* was situated at from 40 to 50 *li*, or 7 to 8 miles, to the north-west of the sacred tanks; but I know of no place that corresponds with this bearing and distance. *Malot* was the capital of the *Janjuhas* at a very early period; but its bearing is south-east, and its distance 12 miles. If we might read 4 to 5 *li*, instead of 40 to 50, the capital might at once be identified with the ruined fort of *Kotera*, which is situated on a steep hill to the west, about 200 feet in height, that overhangs the town and holy pools of *Ketâs*. This is called the ancient town. It consists of an upper fort, 1200 feet long, by 300 broad, and of a lower fort, 800 feet long, by 450 broad, the circuit of the two being about 3500 feet, or less than three-quarters of a mile. But the whole circuit of *Ketâs*, including the modern town on both banks of the stream, both above and below the fort, is about 2 miles. This is rather smaller than the capital described by Hwen Thsang, which was 14 or 15 *li*, or 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 miles, in circuit. But as it corresponds in all other material particulars, I think that *Ketás* has a very good claim to be identified with the capital of Singhapura.