It is situated in the second climate. Its length from the extreme point of Gaṛha (Mándla) to Bánswárah is 245 kos. Its breadth from Chandérí to Nadarbár* is 230 kos. To the east lies Bándhú; to the north Narwar; to the south Baglánah; to the west Gújarát and Ajmer. There are mountains to the south. Its principal rivers are the Narbadah, the Siprá, the Káli Sind, the Bétwa,* and the Kódí.* At every two or three kos clear and limpid streams are met on whose banks the willow grows wild, and the hyacinth and fragrant flowers of many hues, amid the abundant shade of trees. Lakes and green meads are frequent and stately palaces and fair country homes breathe tales of fairyland. The climate is so temperate that in winter there is little need of warm clothing nor in summer of the cooling properties of saltpetre. The elevation of this province is somewhat above that of other areas of the country and every part of it is cultivable. Both harvests are excellent, and especially wheat, poppy, sugarcane, mangoes, melons and grapes. In Háṣílpúr the vine bears twice in the year, and betel leaves are of fine quality. Cloth of the best texture is here woven. High and low give opium to their children up to the age of three years. The peasants and even grain dealers are never without arms. Ujjain is a large city on the banks of the Sipra. It is regarded as a place of great sanctity and wonderful to relate, at times the river flows in waves of milk. The people prepare vessels and make use of it, and such an occurrence brings good fortune to the reigning monarch.
In the 43rd year of the Divine Era when the writer of this work was proceeding to the Deccan by command of his Majesty, a week before his arrival at Ujjain, on the 16th of the Divine month of Farwardín (March) four gharis of the night having elapsed, this flow occurred, and and all conditions of people, Musalman and Hindu alike talked of it.*
In the neighbourhood are 360 places of religious worship for Bráhmans and other Hindús. Close to this city is a place called Káliyádah, an extremely agreeable residence where there is a reservoir continually overflowing yet ever full. Around it are some graceful summer dwellings, the monuments of a past age.
Gaṛha* is a separate state, abounding with forests in which are numerous wild elephants. The cultivators pay the revenue in mohurs and elephants. Its produce is sufficient to supply fully both Gujarát and the Deccan.
Chanderí was one of the largest of ancient cities and possesses a stone fort. It contains 14,000 stone houses, 384 markets, 360 spaeious caravanserais and 12,000 mosques.
Túmún is a village on the river Betba (Betwá) in which mermen are seen. There is also a large temple in which if a drum is beaten, no sound is heard without.
In the Sarkár of Bíjágaṛh there are herds of wild elephants. Mandú is a large city; the circumference of its fort is 12 kos, and in it there is an octagonal tower. For some period it was the seat of government and stately edifices still recall their ancient lords. Here are the tombs of the Khiljí Sulṭáns. A remarkable fact is that in summer time water trickles from the domed roof of the mausoleum of Sulṭán Hoshang and the simple-minded have long regarded it as a prodigy, but the more acute of understanding can satisfactorily account for it. Here the tamarind grows as large as a cocoanut and its kernel is extremely white.
Learned Hindús assert that a stone is met with in this country which when touched by any malleable metal turns it into gold, and they call it Páras. They relate that before the time of Bikramájít, there reigned a just prince named Rájá Jai Sing Deva who passed his life in deeds of beneficence. Such a stone was discovered in that age, and became the source of vast wealth. The sickle of a straw-cutter by its action was changed into gold. The man, not understanding the cause, thought that some damage had occurred to it. He took it to a blacksmith by name Mándan to have it remedied, who divining its properties, took possession of it, and amassing immense wealth, garnered a store of delights. But his natural beneficence suggested to him that such a priceless treasure was more fitted for the reigning prince, and going to court he presented it. The Rájá made it the occasion of many good deeds, and by means of the riches he acquired, completed this fort in twelve years, and at the request of the blacksmith, the greater number of the stones with which it was built, were shaped like an anvil. One day he held a festival on the banks of the Narbadah, and promised to bestow a considerable fortune on his Bráhman priest. As he had somewhat withdrawn his heart from worldly goods, he presented him with this stone. The Bráhman from ignorance and meanness of soul, became indignant and threw the precious treasure into the river to his subsequent and eternal regret. Its depth there prevented his recovering it, and to this day that part of the river has never been fathomed.
Dhár is a town which was the capital of Rájá Bhoja and many ancient princes. The vine here bears twice in the year when the sun first enters Pisces (February) and Leo (July), but the former of these two vintages is the sweeter.
In the Sarkár of Hindíah are numerous wild elephants.
In Naẓarbár* good grapes and melons are obtainable.
This Súbah contains 12 Sarkárs, subdivided into 301 Parganahs. The measured land is 42 lakhs, 66,221 Bíghas, 6 Biswas. The gross revenue is 24 krors, 6 lakhs, 95,052 Dáms. (Rs. 6,017,376-4-15). Of this 11 lakhs,* 50,433 Dáms (Rs. 28,760-13) are Suyúrghál. The Provincial force consists of 29,668 cavalry, 470,361 Infantry and 90 Elephants.