India As Described In Early Texts Of Buddhism and Jainism

Author(s): Bimla Charn Law
Publisher: Bimlacharan Law

Page 72

64 INDIA. AS DESCRIBED IN EARLY TEXTS
and Cittakūta peaks. The Jambudīva-pannatti seems right in suggesting that this really consisted of two lakes, each called Mahāpadmahrada, one connected with the Kşudrahimavanta or Western Himalayan range, and the other connected with the Mahāhimavanta or Eastern Himalayan range. Of the four rivers channel. ling out from this lake, Ganga that flowed down southwards branched off into five main rivers of Majjhimadesa, Rohita flowing eastwards may bo identified with the Lauhitya or Brahmaputra, Sindhu flowing northwards with the Indus, and one flowing westwards with the Sutlej.
The Himalayan region was ponetrated by the tāpasas (hermits), vanacarakas, migaluddakas (hunters), and kings on hunting expedition. The hermits and ascetios built many hermitages there. Some of the Jātakas and Apadānas contain most charming and romantic descriptions of the hermitages and of the fauna and flores that were really the fauna and flora of Jambudvipa as a whole. The hollows in the mountains and hills served as dens for lions, tigers, eto. The beasts generally lived near about the rivers, lakes, and springs. The Pali works speak of four species of lions: (1) those resembling the cow, pigeon-coloured and eating grass; (2) black lions; (3) light yellow lions; and (4) those possessing a big mane. Among other members of the feline