The Study of Ancient Geography (Agni Purana)
Summary
This paper explores the geographical materials embedded in the Purānas, focusing on the Agni Purāṇa. The author argues that these sources, though often neglected, are valuable for reconstructing ancient Indian geography. The Purānas record lists of mountains, rivers, towns and peoples, reflecting the knowledge of itinerant bards and early scholars. Dr. Burgess once suggested compiling such lists to elucidate ancient geography; this article carries forward that project by providing an alphabetical catalogue of place names from the Agni Purāṇa and cross‑referencing them with other Purānas and modern locations. The article describes how the nomadic habits of early Aryans limited their geographic knowledge, but as trade expanded and contacts with foreign lands grew, the Purānic tradition incorporated more detailed information. The author cautions that scribal errors and textual corruptions often mar the lists, requiring careful collation of manuscripts and comparison with inscriptions. Examples include names of rivers that may correspond to the Godavari, Tungabhadra or Narmada. By mapping these names, the article reveals the extent of geographical knowledge in medieval India and provides a foundation for further study.
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Conclusion
Ancient Indian geography cannot be reconstructed from archaeological evidence alone; literary sources like the Agni Purāṇa must be mined for clues. An alphabetical compilation of place names helps to identify historical regions and underscores the sophistication of Purānic scholars who preserved geographical memory across generations.