Bornu
or BORNORO, formerly a negro kingdom of central Africa, now included in northern Nigeria, somewhat larger in extent than England, bounded on the E. by Lake Tchad, and N. by the Sahara. The greater part of the country is perfectly level, and much of it is liable to be overflowed in the rainy season, which lasts from October to April. The heat from March to June is excessive, ranging from 104° to 107° F. The two principal rivers are the Shari and BORON the Komaduga Vaobe, both of which fall into Lake Tchad. The soil is fertile, yields plentiful crops of maize, millet, and other tropical produce. Wild beasts are very numerous. Coats of mail are made both for horses and their riders.
The population, which is estimated at about 5,000,000, is mostly of negro race and called Bornuese or Kanuri.
The ruling race, called Shuwas, are of Arab descent and bigoted Mohammedans; but many traces of fetichism remain among the masses. Whatever they have of civilization is derived from the Arabs. The shores and islands of Lake Tchad are inhabited by negro pirates called yedina or budduma. The slave trade was formerly eagerly prosecuted in Bornu. In the beginning of the 19th century, Bornu was conquered by the Fellatahs, whose yoke, however, was soon shaken off. The ruins of Birni, the old capital, on the Yaobe, may still be seen. Kuka, or Kukawa, the capital, is on the W. shore of Lake Tchad.
Gornu, to the S. E., has one of the most important markets of central Africa.
BORO BUDOR (the "Great Buddha"), the ruin of a splendid Buddhist temple in Java, Kadu residency, near the junction of the Ello and Progo, is the most elaborate monument of the Buddhist style of architecture anywhere existing.
Javanese chronicles place the building of the temple in the beginning of the 7th century. Boro Budor is built on a low hill.