On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v1.c13.2

v1.c13.2

From the Mathurā country the pilgrim, according to his narrative, proceeded north-east, and after a journey of above 500 *li*, reached the *Sa-t'a-ni-ssü-fa-lo* (Sthāneśvara) country. He tells us this country was above 7000 *li* in circuit, and its capital, with the same name apparently, was above twenty *li* in circuit. The soil was rich and fertile and the crops were abundant: the climate was warm: the manners and customs of the people were illiberal: the rich families vied with each other in extravagance. The people were greatly devoted to magical arts and highly prized outlandish accomplishments: the majority pursued trade, and few were given to farming: rarities from other lands were collected in this country. There were (that is, at the capital apparently) three Buddhist monasteries with above 700 professed Buddhists, all Hinayānists. There were also 100 Deva-Temples and the non-Buddhists were very numerous.