In this land, all human actions are performed with the ultimate aim of attaining heaven and liberation. Among those who inhabit it, the one who conquers all is known as the emperor, while he who governs his own domain is called a sovereign. The distinction between these will be explained again in detail. The landscape is adorned with great mountains: Mahendra, Malaya, Sahya, Śuktimān, and Ṛkṣa stand prominent, surrounded by thousands of other mountains, both great and small, some well-known and others nearby. Among these, Sandara is foremost, along with Vaihāra and Durdura. There are also Vātandhama, Nāgagiri, and Pāṇḍura mountain, as well as Puṣpagiri, Ujjayanta, and the revered Raivataka. Many other lesser-known mountains are scattered among them, sustaining little life but forming part of the sacred geography. From these mountains flow the life-giving rivers, whose waters are drunk by all: Gaṅgā, Sindhu, and Sarasvatī. There is Irāvatī, Vitastā, Vipāśā, Devikā, and Kuhū. Other rivers include Kauśakī, Tridivā, Niṣṭhīvī, and Geḍakī, as well as Veda, Smṛti, Vedavatī, Vṛtraghnī, Sindhu, and Reva. The rivers Pāśā, Carmaṇvatī, Nūpā, Vidiśā, and Vetravatī flow here too, along with Śoṇa, Mahānada, Narmadā, Surasā, and Kriyā. The Tamasā, Pippalā, Śyenā, Karamodā, and Piśācikā are also counted among the sacred rivers. Further, there are Saneru, Shuktimati, Mankuti, Tridiva, and Kratu, and the rivers Tapi, Payoshni, Nirvindhya, Sripa, and Nishadha. The waters of Toya, Mahagauri, Durga, and Vannashila flow as well. The Godavari, Bhimarathi, Krishnavena, and Banjula are among the southern rivers that arise from the foot of Sahya mountain, while all the noble rivers born from the Malaya mountains are famed for their cool and pure waters. Langulini, Vamshadhara, and the daughters of Mahendra are remembered among the sacred rivers, as are Kripa and Palashini, originating from Shuktimati. All these rivers are revered as mothers of the universe, destroyers of the world’s sins. Within this blessed region dwell many peoples: the Kurus, Panchalas, Shalvas, Madreyas, and Jangalas, as well as the Matsyas, Kushalas, Saushalas, Kuntalas, and the Kashi-Kosalas. These are the principal peoples of the central region, renowned and celebrated. Indeed, this region is delightful above all others on earth—dear to Rama, heavenly, adorned with divine trees and herbs. Thus, the eastern region too became delightful for this reason. To the west and beyond are the Aparantas, Muhmas, Panchalas, and those of the Carmamandala. There are the Chinas, Tusharas, Pallavas, and the peoples of the mountain caves. The Abhishahas, Ulutas, Kekayas, and Dashamalikas dwell here, as well as the Kambojas, Daradas, Barbaras, and Angalohikas. Alongside them live the Lamakas, Talashalas, Bhushikas, and Ijikas, together with the Tomaras, Hansabhangas, Kashmiris, and Tanganas. The Jhillikas, Ahukas, and Huna Darvas are also found here. Further still are the Plavangas, Maladas, and Malavartikas, as well as the Pragjyotishas, Pundras, Videhas, and Tamraliptakas. Thus is the vast and varied land, sanctified by mountains and rivers, and populated by diverse peoples, each living in the embrace of the sacred earth.