The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c6.s3.t8.2

c6.s3.t8.2

Bishop Heber† describes Kâshipur as a “famous place of Hindu pilgrimage which was built by a divinity named *Káshi* 5000 years ago.” But the good bishop was grossly deceived by his informant, as it is well known that the town is a modern one, it having been built about A.D. 1718 by *Káshi-náth*, a follower of Raja Devi-Chandra of Champâwat in Kumaon. The old fort is now called *Ujain*; but as that is the name of the nearest village, it seems probable that the true name has been lost. The place itself had been deserted for several hundred years before the occupation of Kâshipur; but as the holy tank of *Dron-sâgar* had never ceased to be visited by pilgrims, I presume that the name of the tank must have gradually superseded that of the fort. Even at the present day the name of *Dron-Sâgar* is just as well known as that of Kâshipur.