476 SURVEY OF THE GANGES. 



ed of it, being in extent and population, far inferiorto many villaggswe had 

 passed on the road. The houses, like those of all the villages in this part 

 of the country, are built of large stones, with slated roofs ; but none of 

 them appear in a habitable state. One cause, however, of its present dis- 

 mantled condition, proceeds from the injury it sustained from the earthquake 

 of 1803, in which all the houses suffered materially, and some were complete- 

 ly buried in the ground. It is said, that two or three hundred people were kil- 

 led by the faUing in of the roofs •; and that great numbers of cattle wers 

 destroyed on that fatal occasion. Few of the habitations have been rebuilt; 

 and those that remain are so scattered and uneonnedled, that the place exhi- 

 bits a striking pi^lure of ruin and desolation. Bdrakat is the capital of a 

 Tdlukah of the Rowain Perganah, and originally derived that name 

 from its being the chief mart of twelve villages, which send here their 

 goods for sale. 



Its central position enabled it to maintain a free communication with all 

 parts of the hills ; and pilgrims, who are going to 'Gangotn, in general, 

 halt here, to lay in a stock of provisions for twelve or fourteen days, a& 

 there are n© intermediate villages, where they could be certain of getting 

 supplies. This latter circumstance must have chiefly contributed to ren- 

 der it a place of note ; as it does not appear that the town itself was ever 

 very extensive^ or that any great foreign traffic was carried on. The on- 

 ly article brought from any considerable distance, is sdltirom But an; 

 Imt the quantity imported does not exceed the internal consumption of 

 the place. 



The distance from hence to Gangotri is calculated at seven days 

 'journey, to Jamautri five, to Ceddra Kdth twelve,, and to Snnagar six ; 



