That land is known as Bhārata, for it is the home of the Bhārata people. The very name “Bhārata” is remembered because of its meaning and origin, signifying the connection between the land and its people. Nowhere else upon the earth is the path of action—dharma—prescribed for mortals as it is here. The lands are separated by vast oceans, making them mutually inaccessible to each other. Among these distant regions are Nāga-dvīpa, Saumya, Gāndharva, and Vāruṇa—each with its own name and character. Bhārata itself stretches a thousand yojanas from south to north, and its breadth from east to west is nine thousand yojanas. At the eastern end dwell the Kirātas, while at the western boundary are the Yavanas, each remembered for their distinct ways. Within Bhārata, people are steadfast in their pursuits—some engaged in worship, others in warfare or trade—each remaining true to their chosen path. United with righteousness, wealth, and desire, the four castes perform their duties in harmony with their nature. Here, human beings strive through their actions for the sake of heaven and liberation. The one who conquers the entirety of this land is called an emperor, while he who rules his own realm is known as a sovereign. These distinctions, too, are explained in detail in the sacred teachings. The land is adorned with great mountains: Mahendra, Malaya, Sahya, Śuktimān, and Ṛkṣa stand out among them. Among these ranges are thousands of other mountains, both great and small. Of these, Sandara is foremost, as are Vaihāra and Durdura, along with Vātandhama, Nāgagiri, and the pale Pāṇḍura mountain. Puṣpagiri, Ujjayanta, and Raivataka are also renowned, while many lesser-known mountains, sustaining little life, lie scattered among them. From these mountains flow the sacred rivers that nourish the land. The Gaṅgā, Sindhu, and Sarasvatī are drunk by the people, as are Irāvatī, Vitastā, Vipāśā, Devikā, and Kuhū. Other rivers include Kauśakī, Tridivā, Niṣṭhīvī, and Geḍakī; Veda, Smṛti, Vedavatī, Vṛtraghnī, Sindhu, and Reva; Pāśā, Carmaṇvatī, Nūpā, Vidiśā, and Vetravatī; Śoṇa, Mahānada, Narmadā, Surasā, and Kriyā; Tamasā, Pippalā, Śyenā, Karamodā, and Piśācikā; Saneru, Shuktimati, Mankuti, Tridiva, and Kratu; Tapi, Payoshni, Nirvindhya, Sripa, and the river Nishadha; Toya, Mahagauri, Durga, and Vannashila. The Godavari, Bhimarathi, Krishnavena, and Banjula also flow across the land. From the foot of the Sahya mountain arise many southern rivers, while the pure and cool waters of the Malaya mountains give birth to many noble streams. Among these are Langulini, Vamshadhara, and the daughters of Mahendra, as well as Kripa and Palashini, which spring from Shuktimati. All these rivers are revered as mothers of the universe, destroyers of the world’s sins. Within the expanse of Bhārata dwell the Kurus, Panchalas, Shalvas, Madreyas, and Jangalas, along with the Matsyas, Kushalas, Saushalas, Kuntalas, and the Kashi-Kosalas. These are the principal peoples of the central region, renowned since ancient times. Even among all the lands of the earth, this region is especially delightful—dear to Rama, heavenly in nature, and blessed with divine trees and sacred herbs.