________________ 2A OS 92 AND 2 4 .7 MU HIUEN TSIANG'S TRAVELS IN VAISALI AND THE ADJOINING VAJJIAN TERRITORY Translated by : SAMUEL BEAL., B. A Going north-east from this [i.e. the Drona Stupa,] and crossing the Ganges, 1 after travelling 140 or 150 li, we come to the country of Fej-she-li (Vaisali). FEI-SHE-LI (VAISALI) This kingdom is about 5000 li in circuit. The soil is rich and fertile; flowers and fruits are produced in abundance. The amra fruit (mango) and the mocha (banana). are very plentiful and much prized. The climate is agreeable and temperate. The manners of the people are pure and honest. They love religion and highly esteem learning. Both heretics and believers are found living together. There are several hundred sangharamas, which are mostly dilapidated. The three or five which still remain have but few priests in them. There are several tens of Deva temples, occupied by sectaries of different kinds. The followers of the Nirgrantbas are very numerous. The capital city of Vaisali (or, called Vaisali) is to a great extent in ruins. Its old foundations are from 60 to 70 li in circuit. The royal precincts are about 4 or 5 li round; there are a few people living in it. North-west of the royal city (precincts) 5 or 6 li, is a sangharama with a few disciples. They study the teaching of the Little Vehicle, according to the Sammatiya school. 1. According to Cunningham, the pilgrim must have crossed the Gandak river, not the Ganges. This river flows within 12 miles of Dighwara, the probable site of the Drona stupa. So he regards the Ganges of this passage as a mistake for Gandak. Thomas Watters, however, regards the text as correct [Ed.).
