Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
by Samuel Beal | 1884 | 224,928 words | ISBN-10: 8120811070
This is the English translation of the travel records of Xuanzang (or, Hiuen Tsiang): a Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India during the seventh century. This book recounts his documents his visit to India and neighboring countries, and reflects the condition of those countries during his time, including temples, culture, traditions and fest...
Chapter 8 - Country of Sa-mo-kien (Samarkand)
The country of Sa-mo-kien[1] is about 1600 or 1700 li in circuit. From east to west it is extended, from north to south it is contracted. The capital of the country is 20 li or so in circuit. It is completely enclosed by rugged land and very populous. The precious merchandise of many foreign countries is stored up here. The soil is rich and productive, and yields abundant harvests. The forest trees afford a thick vegetation, and flowers and fruits are plentiful. The Shen horses are bred here. The inhabitants are skilful in the arts and trades beyond those of other countries. The climate is agreeable and temperate. The people are brave and energetic. This country is in the middle of the Hu people (or this is the middle of the Hu).[2] They are copied by all surrounding people in point of politeness and propriety. The king is full of courage, and the neighbouring countries obey his commands. The soldiers and the horses (cavalry) are strong and numerous, and principally men of Chih-kia.[3] These men of Chih-kia are naturally brave and fierce, and meet death as a refuge (escape or salvation). When they attack, no enemy can stand before them. From this going south-east, there is a country called Mi-mo-ho.[4]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Called in Chinese the Kang country, i.e., the peaceful or blessed country. Samarkand (lat. 39° 49' N., long. 67° 18' E.) is probably the Marakanda of Arrian, Anab. Alex., lib. iii. c.30, and iv. c. 5; Q. Curtius, lib. viii. c. 1, 20; Ptol. Geog. lib. vi. c. 11, 9; viii. 23, 10; Strabo, lib. xi. c. 11, 4; conf. Bretschneider, Med. Geog., pp. 27, 60, 162-165; Chin. Med. Trav., pp. 23. 38, 48, 76, 116; Palladius, Chinese Recorder, vol. vi. p. 108; D'Herbelot, Bibl. Orient., p. 738; Wilson's Ariana Antiq., p. 165; Yule, Marco Polo, vol. i. pp. 191 f., ii. pp. 456, 460; Cathay, pp. cxxx, ccxliv, and 192; Jour. Roy. As. Soc., N.S., vol. vi. p. 93; Jour. Asiat., ser. vi. tom. ix. pp. 47, 70; Deguignes, Hist. des Huns, tom. iv. p. 49; Gaubil, H. de Gentchiscan, p. 37; Sprenger, Post und Reise Routen, p. 20; Baber's Mem., p. xxxvi.; Ouseley, Orient. Geog., pp. 232-238, 248-278; Jour. R. Geog. Soc., vol. xl. pp. 453-462. Conf. the "Kang-dez" of the Vendidad and Bundahiś.
[2]:
A term applied to the foreign-speaking (Tartar) people by some Chinese authors.
[3]:
These Chakas would seem to be the people of Chaghāniān, who were evidently a warlike people.—Jour. Roy. As. Soc., N.S., vol. vi. p. 102.
[4]:
The rice country.—Ch. Ed.