396 A DISSERTATION ON SEMI R AMIS, 



I'swara and Me lech, in the Chaldaan language> 

 are synonimous. 



Adharme'swara is thus called, because he pu- 

 nishes those who deviate from the paths of justice and 

 rectitude. 



Anam-meleck is from Anam-t 'sward or Is'wara, 1 

 -who, though above ali, behaves to all with meekness 

 and affability. 



Nimrod is from Nima-Rildra, became Rudra or 

 Maha'-de'va gave him half of his own 1 strength. 



Vahni-st'ha'n, called also Agni-sVhan is said in 

 some Fur anas to be in Cusha-duip ; and in others, to 

 be on the borders of it. It includes all the moun- 

 tainous country from Phrygia to Herat. Vabni-sVhan 

 and Agni-sVhan are denominations of the same im- 

 port, and signify the country or seat of fire, from the 

 numerous volcanoes and burning springs which are 

 to be found all along this extensive range of moun- 

 tains. The present Azar-Baijan is part of it, and 

 may be called Vahni-sihan proper. Azar, in the old 

 Persian, signifies fire; and Bdijdn, a mine Or spring.- 

 This information was given to me by Mr. Duncan, 

 resident of Benares, who was so kind as to consult on 

 this subject with Mehdi-Ali-Kiia'n, one of the Au- 

 viils of the Zemindary of Benares. He is a native of 

 Khorassan, and well acquainted with the antiquities of 

 his own country, and of Iran m general. According, 

 to him, the principal Baijan, or spring of fire, is at 

 a place called Baut-Cubeb * t in Azar-B&ijan. Vahni- 



* It is vulgarly called Baku. 



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st* ban 



