OUDE. 
1.23 
CHAPTER XI. 
In the time of Akbar, the city of Oude, which now 
at a short distance from the river’s hank presents 
little but a shapeless heap of ruins, is said to have 
been a place of much importance, and of great mag- 
nificence. It is situated upon the south side of the 
river Goggra, and seventy-five miles from Lucknow, 
the modern capital, where the king holds his court 
in great splendour. " Oude,” says Abul Fazil in his 
history of Akbar’s reign, “ is one of the largest cities 
of Hindostan. In ancient times it is said to have 
measured a hundred and forty-eight coss (two hun- 
dred and ninety-six miles) in length, and thirty-six 
coss (seventy-two miles) in breadth. Upon sifting 
the earth which is round the city, small grains of 
gold are sometimes found in it. This town is esteem- 
ed one of the most sacred places of antiquity.” There 
is nothing in the modern aspect of the town to con- 
firm the account given by the Oriental historian, for 
though it occupies a considerable space along the banks 
of the Goggra, and contains a numerous population, 
it exhibits nevertheless no traces of having much ex- 
ceeded in extent many towns of less note in the 
same district. 
The ancient city of Oude, of which there still exist 
some striking remains, was the capital of the great 
