The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c8.s4.51

c8.s4.51

On a general review of all the evidence in favour of the identification of Dháraṇikoṭṭa with the Dhanakaṭa of Hwen Thsang and with the Majerika Stúpa of the Nágas, the most striking point is the exceeding beauty of the relic stupa, which is common to all of them. I have already quoted the account of the ‘Mahâwanso’ as to the gorgeous magnificence of the Nága Stúpa of Majerika, the last step of which was beyond the power of all the riches of Ceylon to equal. Similarly the Chinese pilgrim was struck with the unusual beauty of the religious edifices of Dhanakaṭa, which he describes as possessing all the magnificence of the palaces of Bactria.† We have also the evidence of our own eyes as to the exceeding beauty and lavish ornament of its sculptures, many of which now grace the India Office Museum, in London. And lastly, we have the tradition of the people that Dháraṇikoṭṭa was once the capital of this part of India.‡