malaya m. ( Uṇ. iv, 99 ) N. of a mountain range on the west of Malabar, the western Ghāts (abounding in sandal trees), MBh. ; Kāv. &c.
malaya One of the seven principal chains of mountains in India. It is most probably to be identified with the southern portion of the Ghāts running from the south of Mysore, and forming the eastern boundary of Travancore. It is said by Bhavabhūti to be encircled by the river Kāverī ( Mv. 5. 3 , also R. 4. 46 ), and is said to teem in cardamoms, pepper, sandal, and betel-nut trees. In R. 4. 51 Kālidāsa calls the mountains Malaya and Dardura ‘the two breasts of the southern region.’ Dardura is, therefore, that portion of the Ghāts, which forms the south-eastern boundary of Mysore.
(masc, masc) Malabar, modern Kerala