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| The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2 |
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Citation Information
CHAP. XXX. TILE KINGDOM OF KESMACORAN 40I
dated 21st November, 1831. The gates were removed to India in the end of 1842.
The " Sikh Empire " practically collapsed with the murder of Sher Singh in
September, 1843.
It is not probable that there v" as any real connection between these Gates, of
Saracenic design, carved (it is said) in Himalayan cedar, and the Temple of Somnáth.
But tradition did ascribe to them such a connection, and the eccentric prank of a
clever man in high place made this widely known. Nor in any case can we regard
as alien to the scope of this book the illustration of a work of medieval Asiatic art,
which is quite as remarkable for its own character and indisputable history, as for the questionable origin ascribed to it. (Tod's Travels, 385, 504 ; Burgess, Visit to _Somnath, etc. ; Jacob's Report on Kattywar, p. IS ; Gildemeister, 185 ; Dawson's Elliot, II. 468 scqq. ; Asiatic Journal, 3rd series, vol. I.).
CHAPTER XXX.
CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF KESMACORAN,
KEStizACOR AN is a kingdom having a king of its own and
a peculiar language. [Some of] the people are Idolaters,
[but the most part are Saracens]. They live by mer-
chanclize and industry, for they are professed traders, and
carry on much traffic by sea and land in all directions.
Their food is rice [and corn], flesh and milk, of which
they have great store. There is no more to be said
about them.'
And you must know that this kingdom of Kesma-
coran is the last in India as you go towards the west aixd
north-west. You see, from Maabar on, this province is
what is called the GREATER INDIA, and it is the best of all
the Indies. I have now detailed to you all the kingdoms
and provinces and (chief) cities of this India the Greater,
that are upon the seaboard ; but of those that lie in the
interior I have said nothing, because that would make too
long a story.2
And so now let us proceed, and I will tell you of
some of the Indian Islands. And I will begin by two
Islands which are called Male and Female.
VOL. II. 2 C
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