Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/351

THE SACRED RIVER GANGES 293 true Ganges; if its situation does not correspond, at least its name does. From this river comes that excel- lent wood called Calamba (aloes-wood), which is be- lieved to come from the Earthly Paradise. It is very dear throughout India, and more esteemed than any other, being more rare and odoriferous; very little of it is found, and then it comes floating to the seashore, or the banks of the river; it is also found on the shores of the Maldives, and I have met with it there many a time. This river breeds also a' large number of crocodiles, and is marvellously rich in fish; in short, it is the wealthiest in all produce in the East Indies, and after it comes the Indus, the river of Surate and Cambaye. The Indians regard the Ganges as holy, and believe that when they have washed therein they are absolved of all their sins; and Mohammedans as well as Gentiles deem the water to be blessed, and to wash away all offences, just as we regard confession. They, however, believe that, after bathing there, they are altogether sanctified, even saints. And they come from afar to wash them there, as do the Mohammedans at the sepul- chre of Mohammed at Mecca. This is all I was able to observe of this kingdom during the short time I was there.'