On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c23.s17.1

v2.c23.s17.1

The Records proceed to relate that "to the south of the Pamir Valley across a hill is the Po-lu-lo country", which yielded much gold and silver, the former being of a fiery hue. It adds that from the centre of the Pamir Valley going south-east the road has no inhabited villages, over hills by risky paths where frozen snow prevailed, a journey of over 500 *li* brought the pilgrim to Kie-(ha)-p'an-to. This country was above 2000 *li* in circuit; its capital, founded on a rocky ridge and having the river Sītā at its back, was above twenty *li* in circuit. The country was a system of mountains with narrow river-courses and downs; there were little of other crops but much of pulse and wheat, and there were few fruit and other trees; its downs and swamps were wastes and its cities and towns uninhabited. The people had no social etiquette or common feeling of right; they had little education and were fierce, daring, and ugly; their clothes were of coarse woollen material (lit. felt and serge); their written and spoken languages were like those of Kashgar; and they were sincere Buddhists. There were more than ten monasteries with above 500 Brethren, all Hinayānists of the Sarvāstivādin School. The reigning king was a patron of Buddhism, and a scholar of culture. Many years had elapsed since his dynasty was established; before that event the country was a wild valley of the Ts'ungling. A king of Po-li-ssŭ, the pilgrim continues, had married a lady in China, and the bride-elect had reached this place on her way to her husband's home. At the time of her arrival armed rebellion had broken out in the country, and the roads were impassable. So the king's bride was taken to the top of a high steep rocky hill, and kept there for safety. When tranquillity was restored, and the journey was to be continued, the king's envoy in charge of the bride discovered that she was enceinte. On making enquiry he found that the sun-deva had visited the lady every day at noon, and that it was by him she was with child. So it was decided that the party should remain at the place; a palace was built on the hill, and the whole company settled there, and made the Chinese lady their queen. In due time she gave birth to a son who grew up very handsome and accomplished, famed for his power over the elements and his good government, and neighbouring States became his vassals.