The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c6.s3.t9.12

c6.s3.t9.12

*Soron* is a large town on the right, or western, bank of the Ganges, on the high-road between Bareli and Mathura. The place was originally called *Ukala Kshetra*; but after the demon *Hiranyaksha* had been killed by the *Varâha Avatar*, or Boar incarnation of Vishnu, the name was changed to *Sukara Kshetra*, or “the place of the good deed.” The ancient town is represented by a ruined mound called the *Kilah*, or “fort,” which is one quarter of a mile in length from north to south, and somewhat less in breadth. It stands on the high bank of the old bed of the Ganges, which is said by some to have flowed immediately under it so late as 200 years ago. The modern town stands at the foot of the old mound on the west and south sides, and probably contains about 5000 inhabitants. There are no dwellings on the old mound, which is occupied only by the temple of *Sita-Rámji* and the tomb of *Shekh Jamál*; but it is covered with broken bricks of large size, and the foundations of walls can be traced in all directions. The mound is said to be the ruins of a fort built by Raja Somadatta of Soron many hundred years ago. But the original settlement of the place is very much older, being attributed to the fabulous Raja Vena Chakravartti, who plays such a conspicuous part in all the legends of North Bihar, Oudh, and Rohilkhand.