Chapter BARGEER to BASSEIN of B by The Hobson Jobson Dictionary

conqueror Alompra, from the former name Kuthein (i.e. Kusein), which was a native corruption of the old name Kusima (see COSMIN). We cannot explain the old European corruption Persaim. [It has been supposed that the name represents the Besynga of Ptolemy (Geog. ii. 4; see M’Crindle in Ind. Ant. xiii. 372); but (ibid. xxii. 20) Col. Temple denies this on the ground that the name Bassein does not date earlier than about 1780. According to the same authority (ibid. xxii. 19), the modern Burmese name is Patheng, by ordinary phonetics used for Putheng, and spelt Pusin or Pusim. He disputes the statement that the change of name was made by Alaungp’aya or Alompra. The Talaing pronunciation of the name is Pasem or Pasim, according to dialect.]

[1781.—“Intanto piaciutto era alla Congregazione di Propagando che il Regno di Ava fosse allora coltivato nella fede da’ Sacerdoti secolari di essa Congregazione, e a’ nostri destino li Regni di Battiam, Martaban, e Pegu.”—Quirini, Percoto, 93.

[1801.—“An ineffectual attempt was made to repossess and defend Bassien by the late Chekey or Lieutenant.”—Symes, Mission, 16.]

The form Persaim occurs in Dalrymple, (1759) (Or. Repert., i. 127 and passim).

(3) Basim, or properly Wasim; an old town in Berar, the chief place of the district so-called. [See Berar Gazett. 176.]