The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c6.s3.t37.17

c6.s3.t37.17

At 200 *li*, or 33 miles, to the east of Rohinala, Hwen Thsang reached the capital of the kingdom of *I-lan-na-po-fa-ta*, or *Hiranya-Parvata*, that is, the "Golden Mountain." Close to the city stood Mount Hiranya, "from which issued smoke and vapours that darkened the sun and moon."* The position of this hill is determined, from its proximity to the Ganges, and from its bearings and distances from Rohinala and Champa, to be *Mongir*. No smoke now issues from the hill, but the numerous hot springs in the neighbouring hills show that volcanic action still exists within a few miles of *Mongir*. These hot springs are mentioned by Hwen Thsang.