6 Memoir on the Ancient Coins of Beghrdm. [Jan. 



artificial mound on the west bank of the river, constructed with elaborate 

 care : the base appears originally to have been surrounded with a magni- 

 ficent trench, supplied by the stream with water. Here no doubt was 

 some important structure, a palace or citadel. At this day the summit 

 is crowned with dilapidated mud walls of modern construction, and the 

 spot is known by the name of Killah Rajput. In the district of Ghor- 

 band, west of the great hill range, which radiating from the Hindu Kosh, 

 or Caucasus, forms the western boundary of Koh Daman, we have very 

 many important vestiges of antiquity, both in the principal valley and 

 in its dependencies, particularly in one of them named Fendukistan : 

 we have reasons to believe that coins are found there in considerable 

 numbers, and that there are some interesting mounds ; but as we have 

 not seen this spot, we refrain from speculating upon its character. 



We have thus enumerated the principal ancient sites of cities in Koh 

 Daman and Kohistdn, both as shewing the former importance and 

 illustrating the capabilities of these fine countries, and as exhibiting the 

 fluctuations, in ancient times, of the seat of royalty in them. Beghrdm, 

 Perwan, Tartrung-Zar, and Killah Rajput have no doubt in succession 

 been the abodes of sovereigns, as have most probably Panjshir and 

 Korahtass. Our minuteness may moreover be excused, because in this 

 part of the country we expect to detect the site of Alexandria ad 

 Caucasum, or ad calcem Caucasi. It may be remarked, with reference to 

 the sites of Beghrdm and Perwan, that the former is called by the 

 Hindus of the country ' Balrdm,' and is asserted by them to have been the 

 residence of Raja Bal ; the latter they call Milwan, and assert to have 

 been the capital of Raja Milwan. Milwan may be a Hindu appellation, 

 but it has been also assumed by Muhammedans. 



We have it not in our power to consult the ancient authorities, who 

 have noticed Alexandria ad Caucasum, or probably its site might have 

 been definitely fixed; but when we know that it was also called Nauldbi 

 or Nildbi, from being situated on or near the river Nauldbi or Nildb, we 

 have no difficulty in seeking for its position, being acquainted with the 

 geographical features of this part of Asia. The name Nildbi could only 

 have been conferred on the river of Ghorband, or on that of Panjshir, or 

 to both, after their confluence ; in the latter event, we are brought to 

 the site of Beghrdm without the chance of error. The rivers of Ghor- 

 band and Panjshir unite at a spot called Tokchi, bearing north a little 

 west of Beghrdm, distant about a mile and half or two miles, and near 

 the place called Inchdr, which is inserted in the map accompanying the 

 Honorable Mr. Elphinstone's work. Inchdr is a solitary castle, pic- 

 turesquely seated amid a large extent of fine chaman or pasture land. 

 From its source the river of Ghorband, which is also that of Bamidn, 



