Frontier between Ava and Part of Bengal. 35 



to west ; but it increases much in width farther north, to- 

 wards the sources of the Chimay and Karnaphuli rivers, where 

 it is probably from thirty to forty miles from east to west. Its 

 length probably is about seventy miles ; but of this a con- 

 siderable portion towards the north, has been occupied by the 

 Kungkis called Lusai, who are quite independent of the Mugg 

 chief. 



Some miles within the western boundary of the low hills, a 

 chain of greater height runs northerly (about N. 40' W.) 

 from the Sungkar, and crosses the Karnaphuli, the course of 

 which, from the Mugg mountains of Rennell, to beyond this 

 chain, is about N. E. by N. and S. W. by S. with most nu- 

 merous and great windings. This ridge of hills seems to be 

 about 500 feet in perpendicular height ; and, being of a good 

 soil, is well cultivated after the joom fashion. The portion 

 of it south from the Karnaphuli, is called Sita pahar or Sita 

 mura, and that north from thence, is called Ram pahar, and 

 the continuation of the same ridge is probably that called by 

 the Tripurasj Debta mura, or the Deities Head, the southern 

 portion being dedicated to the God Rama and his wife Sita- 

 At its northern end, Sita pahar descends to the Karnaphuli 

 with a shelving rock, called Sitaka ghat (the landing place of 

 Sita), which is highly venerated, and the Hindus, therefore, 

 offer grain, flowers, and eggs, to Sita and Rama, while the 

 Muggs worship Taung-mang, (Mountain-prince). Even the 

 Muhammedans of this province have adopted the supersti- 

 tion, having contrived some fable for almost every place held 

 sacred by the Pagans, thinking probably, that it would be 

 disgraceful for their religion, were they not provided with as 

 many ceremonies and holy places as their neighbours. 



Above Sitaka ghat, the Karnaphuli is about 100 yards 

 wide, and of considerable depth. Although the tides flow 

 pretty strong, the water is quite fresh ; but even in the dry 

 season, is rather muddy. The concave side of its reaches 

 have low banks, while, on the convex low hills come down to 

 the water-edge, as indeed is common in hilly countries and 

 small rivers. The soil seems in general to be good, and 

 rests on a rock consisting of thin horizontal strata of clav and 

 sand slightly indurated. The hills are cultivated for jooms. 



