HUGHLY, a town of Asia, in the kingdom of Bengal, seated on the most westerly branch of the river Ganges. It is of large extent, reaching about two miles along the river-side, and drives a great trade in all the commodities of that country; affording rich cargoes for 50 or 60 ships annually, besides what is brought on carriages to the neighbouring towns. Salt-petre is brought hither from Patna in vessels above 50 yards long and five broad. The inhabitants are chiefly Indians; but there are also Portuguese, English, and other Europeans. E. Long. 87. 55. N. Lat. 22. 0.