Sanga, Region

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn.

SANGA is bounded on the North, with the East parts of the Realm of Agra; on the South and West, with Cambaia; from which parted on the West, by the Mountain Gate; and on the East, with Oristan. The reason of the name I find not: this Country being too far South to be so called from Sangalassa, a Town of chief note neer the fountains of Indus, where placed by Arianus, lib. 5. Places of most importance in it, 1. Azmere, or Agimer, 180 miles from Agra. At the end of every course (each course a mile and an half) a fair pillar erected, and at every tenth course a fair Seraglio (such as we call Innes) for the entertainment of Travellors. All built by Echebar, who wanting Children, is said to have gone in Pilgrimage, on foot from Arra to Azimere, saying his prayers at the end of every course, and lodging all night at the tenth. 2. Citor, the chief City of Sanga, and once a Kingdome of it self, or the chief of that Kingdome. Situate in the midle way betwixt Surat, a known Port of Cambata, and Agra spoken of before: and most magnificently built on the top of a rocky hill, to which the passage is so narrow, and so well fortified, (there being in it three Gates, at the top, the middle, and the bottom) that thereby, and by other advantages of Art and nature, it was thought impregnable. Affirmed to he 12, miles in compass, beautified with many goodly buildings both publique and private; but once more glorious than it is; here being to be seen the ruins of 100 Temples, and above 100000 houses, either demolished by the wars, or suffered to decay by the great Moguls, who would not willingly have any thing in the Indies of more Antiquity, than themselves; and therefore are rather inclined to build new Cities, than uphold the old. The greatness and Antiquity of it have made some men think that it was the Royall Seat of Porus. Others affirm the same of Delly, but neither rightly: the Kingdome of Porus lying more towards the River Indus, and not so far South. Governed not long since by a Queen called Crementina, not more fair than valiant, who revolting from Badurius King of Cambaia, to whom she formerly had paid tribute; was dispossessed of the Town of Citor, where she had fortified her self with 30000. foot, and 2000 horse: the People in a desperate resolution, laying all their treasures on an heap, which they burnt together with themselves; in which flame it is said that there perished 70000 persons. But the Cambatan did not long enjoy his victory. For not long after both the City and a great part of the Countrey, was conquered by the great Mogul, the mountainous parts hereof being held against him by Ramee, the Sonne or successor of Qu. Crementina: till seeing himself destitute of all better helps, he put himself into the hands of one of the Sonnes of the late Sultan, by whom reconciled unto his Father. Some other Towns there are in this Province, and in that of Agra before mentioned, and those of good esteem perhaps amongst the natives; but of no observation or importance in the course of business.