The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c8.s7.2

c8.s7.2

The position of the capital is difficult to fix, as a distance of 500 miles, to the south of Conjeveram, would take us out to sea beyond Cape Kumári, (Comorin). If we might read 1300 *li*, or 217 miles, instead of 3000 *li*, both bearing and distance would agree exactly with the position of the ancient city of Madura, which was the capital of the southern end of the peninsula in the time of Ptolemy. It is possible that *Kaulam* (Quilon) may have been the capital at the time of Hwen Thsang’s visit; but neither the distance nor the bearing agrees with the pilgrim’s statement, as the place is not more than 400 miles to the south-west of Conjeveram. To the north-east of the capital there was a town named *Charitra-pura*, or “Departure-town,” which was the port of embarkation for Ceylon. If Madura was the capital, the “port-city” was probably Negapatam; but, if *Kaulam* was the capital, the “port-city” must have been Râmnâd (*Râmanâthapura*). From this port, Ceylon was distant 3000 *li*, or 500 miles, to the south-east.