PURNEAH, a district of British India, in the presidency of Bengal, bounded on the N. by Nepal and Sikhim, E. by the district of Dinajapore, S. by those of Malda and Bhaugulpore, and W. by that of Bhaugulpore: length, from N.E. to S.W., 117 miles; breadth, 105; area, 5878 square miles. It is low and flat, having no mountains or hills more than 275 feet above the sea. It is watered by the Ganges at its south-eastern extremity, and by the Kosee, Gogaree, and Mahanunda, affluents of that river. These and other smaller rivers are generally navigable for vessels of considerable size. The climate in the end of spring and beginning of summer is hot and dry; in the latter part of summer the rainy season sets in, and in winter the cold is often considerable. Rice is the principal crop raised; but wheat, barley, pulse, maize, millet, &c., are also cultivated. Sugar, cotton, tobacco, &c., are grown; and indigo is the chief article of commerce produced in the district. Some trade is carried on with the adjacent British districts and with Nepal; cattle, grain, cotton stuffs, silks, and indigo being the chief exports. Pop. 1,600,000.