The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c6.s3.t28.1

c6.s3.t28.1

From the stupa of the measuring-vessel, Hwen Thsang proceeded to the north-east for 140 or 150 *li*, or 23 to 25 miles, to *Vaisâli*. He mentions having crossed the Ganges on the road; but as he was already to the north of that river, his notice must certainly refer to the *Gandak*, which flows within 12 miles of Degwâra. We must therefore look for *Vaisâli* to the east of the *Gandak*. Here, accordingly, we find the village of *Besárh*, with an old ruined fort which is still called *Raja-Bisal-ka-garh*, or the fort of Raja Visala, who was the reputed founder of the ancient Vaisâli. Hwen Thsang states that the Royal Palace was between 4 and 5 *li*, or from 3500 to 4400 feet in circuit, which agrees with the size of the old fort, according to my measurement of 1580 feet by 750 feet, or 4600 feet in circuit, along the lines of the ruined walls. The place is mentioned by Abul Fazl, as *Besár*,* and it is still a considerable village, surrounded with brick ruins. It is exactly 23 miles from *Degwára*, but the direction is north-north-east, instead of north-east. This position also agrees with Hwen Thsang’s subsequent distance and bearing to the bank of the Ganges opposite *Pátali-putra*, or *Patna*, which was due south 120 *li*,† or 20 miles, the actual position of *Hájipur* on the north bank of the Ganges being 20 miles almost due south. The ruined fort of *Besárh* thus presents such a perfect coincidence of name, position, and dimensions with the ancient city of Vaisâli, that there can be no reasonable doubt of their identity.