The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c6.s3.t33.4

c6.s3.t33.4

I have already identified this place with the present *Kurkihár*, which, though omitted in the maps, is perhaps the largest place between the cities of Gaya and Bihâr. It is situated 3 miles to the north-east of Vazirganj, 16 miles to the north-north-east of Gaya, and 20 miles to the north-east of Bauddha-Gaya.* The true name of *Kurkihár* is said to be *Kurak-vihâr*, which I believe to be only a contracted form of *Kukkuṭapada-Vihâra*, or "Cock's-foot Temple," as the Sanskrit *Kukkuṭa* is the same word as the Hindi *Kukkar*, or *Kurak*, a "cock." The present *Kurkihár* therefore corresponds both in name and in position with the famous "Cock's-foot Hill" of the Buddhists. There is, however, no three-peaked hill in its neighbourhood; but about half a mile to the north of the village three rugged hills rise boldly out of the plain, which, as they stand so close together that their bases meet, may fairly be identified with the three-peaked hill of Hwen Thsang. This identification is confirmed by the presence of several ruined mounds, in which numerous Buddhist statues and votive stupas have been found.