58 On the site of Sang ula [Jar. 



circular stones with large perforations, which we were told were 

 once worn round the ancles hy a celebrated fakeer, who resided here, 

 and who among other proofs of mortification and sanctity, accustom- 

 ed himself to eat earth and other strange substances. Between our en- 

 campment and this natural height was a small space of jungle, in which 

 are a few pipal trees in the last stage of existence. The old fort, an 

 erection of other days, is built with burnt bricks ; its walls and towers 

 are very high, and its extent considerable, but time has made evident 

 ravages in its defences ; its bulwarks have in many places tumbled 

 down, and it is no longer occupied. Surrounding the north-east angle 

 of the fort, is a small swamp. We were cautioned by the inhabitants, 

 that we should be much annoyed by a species of gnat, called muckah, 

 which swarm by night in these jungles during the rainy months, but 

 which we had not hitherto seen. To avoid these, we decamped towards 

 evening, and fixed ourselves on the summit of the circular artificial 

 mound before mentioned. 



It was impossible to look upon the prospect of the fort and swamp 

 before us, and beneath our feet, upon the ground on which we stood, 

 without feeling the conviction that we were beholding the fort and 

 lake of Sangala, and that we stood on the eminence protected by the 

 triple lines of chariots, and defended by the Kathcei, before they al- 

 lowed themselves to be shut up in their fortress. 



The evidence of Arrian is very minute as to this place, and he fur- 

 nishes excellent data which cannot be mistaken in their application. 

 While Alexander was proceeding to occupy the kingdom, abandon- 

 ed by its monarch the second Porus, he received intelligence that the 

 Kathsei, the most warlike of the Indian nations in those parts, in 

 confederacy with others, probably the Malli and Oxydracae, had col- 

 lected their forces, and resolved to oppose his progress, if toward 

 them directed. As the occupation of an undefended country present- 

 ed no field for achievement or glory, he dispatched Hephestion to 

 effect its settlement, and marched direct against the Kathsei. At the 

 period of receiving tidings of the hostile attitude of these Indians, 

 Alexander had crossed the Acesines, and was marching towards 

 Lahore, if we credit the inference that this city represents the capita} 

 of the fugitive Porus. He diverged to the south, and having crossed 

 the Hydraotes or Ravi, on the first day arrived at Pimprama (pos- 

 sibly Pind Brahma, Brahma's or the Brahman's village) at which he 

 halted the second, and on the third reached Sangala, which Arrian 

 describes as a city with a fort built of brick, at one extremity of which 

 was a lake, not containing much water. He farther informs us that 

 Alexander found the Kathsei drawn up on the summit of an eminence 



