Provenance: Sohgaura, Gorakhpur District, Uttar Pradesh
Date: Circa 4th–3rd Century BCE Language: Prakrit
Script: Brahmi
Gist: Refers to two, three-storeyed granaries in the villages of Sriman and Vamsa-grama. The four varieties of produce are to be stored and distributed in times of need.
Reference: Select Inscriptions, Volume I, No. 47.
Provenance: Piprahwa, Siddharth Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh.
Date: 3rd century BCE Language: Prakrit
Gist: Records that this receptacle of the relics of the blessed Buddha of the Sakyas is the pious gift of the brothers of Sukirti jointly with their sisters, with their sons and their wives.
Reference: Select Inscriptions, Vol. I. p.81; Indian Antiquary, Vol. XXXVI. pp. 117 ff.
Provenance: Mahasthan, Bogra district, Bangladesh
Gist: Records an order issued to the mahamatras of Pundhranagara, regarding measures to be taken for relieving distress caused by famine to the people called Samvamgiyans. The measures consisted of the advance of a loan in gamdaka coins to Galadana, leader of Samvamgiyans, and distribution of paddy from the granary (kothagale). With the restoration of profusion and affluence they have been asked to return the coins to the treasury (kosa) and the paddy to the granary.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. 21, pp. 83–91.
Provenance: Erragudi, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Maurya King: Asoka
Date: 3rd Century BCE Language: Prakrit
Gist: The inscription contains Minor Rock edicts I and II as in the Rajula-mandagiri inscription and Rock edicts I to XIV. The dharma as stated by Asoka involves not only Buddhist principles, but others as well. Respect to parents, elders, teachers (Brahmana, Sramana and Nirgrantha belonging to Vedicism, Buddhism and Jainism) respectively; speaking truth and non-indulgence in killing any living being are some of the virtues that constitute dharma. The king expects these are followed by people and supervised by Mahamatras, Rashtrikas, etc. The king states that officers can report important matters to him even if he were in the bed-chamber. Andhras are mentioned in Rock edict XIII as living on the borders of Asoka’s empire.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Volume XXXII, pp. 1ff.
Provenance: Brahmagiri, Bellary district, Karnataka
Gist: The edict at Brahmagiri is addressed to the Mahamatras of Isila through the Aryaputra and the Mahamatras of Suvarnagiri. From this edict we know that when Asoka was on tour for 256 days, he caused this edict to be written for the purpose of proclaiming the message that the poor and the rich should show zeal towards practicing and propagating the Dharma. Asoka proclaims that obedience must be rendered to mother, father and elders, compassion towards animals and truth be spoken. It is intended that even people beyond the border lands should learn about his message and he hopes that this exertion towards dharma should be everlasting. It is interesting to note that name of the scribe as Chapada occurs at the end of Minor rock edict II. The word Chapadena likhitam is in Brahmi script, followed by lipikarena in Kharoshti script.
Provenance: Rummindei (Lumbini), Rupandehi District, Nepal
Dynasty: Mauryan King: Asoka
Gist: Records that the king Devanampriya Priyadarsin Asoka, after his anointment in the year 26, went on peregrination and visited the birth place of the Sakyamuni Buddha and offered worship and erected stone pillar to commemorate his visit. And also exempted the village Lummini from paying taxes and ordered to pay only an eighth share of the produce.
Reference: Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum, Volume I: Inscriptions of Asoka. Pp. xxii-xxiii and pp. 164-165, Plate facing p. 164.
Provenance: Shar-i-Kuna Old Kandhar, Afghanistan
Date: 3rd Century BCE
Language & Script: Greek and Aramaic
Gist: This bilingual and biscriptal inscription can be regarded as belonging to the abridged version of edicts, as described by Asoka in his inscriptions. The edict refers to the results of Asoka’s propagation of Dharma and says that 10 years after his coronation, he showed pity towards people; rendered them more pious and all have prospered. Also mentions that Asoka abstains from slaughtering or eating of living beings and even other people, king’s huntsmen and fishermen gave up hunting. The people became obedient towards mother, father and elderly people and lived a profitable life.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XXXIV, pp. 1–8 and plate.
Provenance: Kodumanal, Erode District, Tamil Nadu
Date: 3rd century BCE Language: Tamil
Script: Tamil-Brahmi
Gist: Pottery with Tamil Brahmi scripts and graffiti marks from excavations in Tamil Nadu.
Reference: Rajan, K. 2015. Early writing system in Tamil Nadu.
Provenance: Pulimankombai, Theni District, Tamil Nadu
Date: 2nd century BCE Language: Tamil
Gist: (a) Refers to the name of Atan and his memorial stone. (b) Records the memorial stone of Antavan, son of Petu Tiyan who died while rescuing cattle (Akol) at Kutalur. (c) Refers to the memorial stone of a Patavan son of Avvan of Vellur.
Reference: Rajan. K. Kalvettiyal, p.138, Avanam 2006 vol.17 p.4–5.
Provenance: Bhattiprolu, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Not Known King: Kubhiraka
Date: circa 3rd–2nd Century BCE Language: Prakrit
Script: Southern Brahmi
Gist: Records the gifts made by the king Kubhiraka, to several members belonging to a nigama (guild) and goshthi (committee) of a casket and box containing the relics of the Buddha. The significance of tala-kattu (serif) at the top of consonants in the Bhattiprolu script is considered as proto-Telugu alphabet; and according to Dr. K. V. Ramesh, “the writings of Bhattiprolu are Pre-Asokan”. The script consists of some letters which are otherwise unknown among the early Indian inscriptions.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Volume II, pp. 323ff.
Provenance: Mangulam, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu
Dynasty: Pandya (Sangam period) King: Neduncheliyan
Date: 2nd Century BCE Language: Tamil
Script: Tamil Brahmi
Gist: Refers to the name of the Pandya king Neduncheliyan who ruled over the Pandya country (Madurai) during the Sangam period.
Reference: Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy. B. 460 of 1906.
Provenance: Sugh, Ambala district, Haryana
Dynasty: Not Known King: Not Known
Date: 2nd Century BCE Language: Prakrit
Script: Kharoshthi
Gist: This unique terracotta figurine depicts a child writing Brahmi alphabets on a wooden writing-board (takhti). The writing-board shows four lines of writing. Each line containing dvadasa-akshari or barakhadi as it is now called in North India, meaning twelve letters. These twelve letters are the twelve vowels: a, aa, i, ii, u, uu, e, ai, o, au, am, ah.
Reference: Studies in Indian Epigraphy, Vol. I, pp. 31–33.
Provenance: Besnagar, Vidisa District, Madhya Pradesh
Dynasty: Not Known King: Bhagabhadra
Date: Circa 2nd century BCE Language: Prakrit influenced by Sanskrit
Gist: Records the erection of a column surmounted by Garuda (Garuda-dhvaja) in honour of the god Vasudeva by Heliodorous, a native of Takshasila and an ambassador sent by the Greek king Antialkidas (Antiochus) to the court of king Bhagabhadra. It further refers to Heliodorous, as a Bhagavata.
Reference: Select Inscriptions Vol. I, pp. 88–89.
Provenance: Tenur, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu
Date: 1st century BCE Language: Tamil
Gist: It mentions the name of persons. Unlike the Tamil Brahmi script found on other materials, in which they were normally inscribed in fluent strokes, the letters on the bars were formed through a series of dots punched with a sharp instrument.
Reference: Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy 2013–14 B 176.
Provenance: Ayodhya, Faizabad District, Uttar Pradesh
Dynasty: Sunga King: Dhanadeva
Date: 1st century CE Language: Sanskrit
Gist: This is the first inscription to mention the name of Pushyamitra, the founder of Sunga dynasty and it is one of the few early inscriptions recorded in Sanskrit language. It records the erection of a memorial in honor of Phalgudeva, the father of Dhanadeva, who is described as the Lord of Kosala, son of Kausiki and the sixth in the lineage of senapati Pushyamitra, who had performed the Asvamedha sacrifice twice.
Reference: Select Inscriptions Vol. I, pp. 94–95, plate XII; Ep. Ind., Vol. XX, pp. 54ff.
Provenance: Jambai, Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu
Gist: Reference of Sathiyaputo as mentioned in the Asokan edicts. Registers that the hermitage was given by Adiyan-Neduman-Anchi, a famous Chieftain of Tagadur (modern Dharmapuri) as referred in Sangam classics.
Reference: Mahadevan I, Early Tamil Epigraphy, 2003, p.399.
Provenance: Hathigumpha, Jajpur District, Odisha
Dynasty: Chedi King: Kharavela
Date: First half of 2nd century BCE Language: Prakrit
Gist: Record begins with salutation to the Arhats (i.e. Jinas) and after briefly referring to the childhood activities and education of the king, mentions his coronation, first as yuvaraja and then as maharaja on his 24th year. Then it contains a detailed chronological account of the various welfare activities and military achievements of the king up to his thirteenth regnal year.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XX, pp. 71–89.
Provenance: Ghosundi, Chitorgarh District, Rajasthan
King: Maharaja Sarvatta Language: Sanskrit
Date: 1st century BCE Script: Northern Brahmi
Gist: The earliest epigraphic evidence regarding the worship of lord Narayana is found from the village Ghosundi. It records the erection of enclosing wall around the stone object of worship called Narayana Vatika for the divinities Sankarshana and Vasudeva by one Sarvatta, who was devotee of Bhagavat and had performed an asvamedha Sacrifice.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XVI, pp. 25.
Provenance: Mat, Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh
Dynasty: Kushana King: Kanishka
Gist: This life-size statue of king Kanishka was discovered from the above mentioned village, about 9 miles north of Mathura from a mound locally known as Tokri Tila, along with other images of Kushana kings. Excavation revealed that these images were enshrined in a devakula (temple). The inscription reads Maharaja rajadhiraja devaputro Kanishko i.e. The king, the king of kings, his Majesty Kanishka.
Reference: Annual Report of ASI, 1911–12, p. 120 ff. and plate.
Provenance: Mukkataraopeta, Karimnagar District, Telangana
Dynasty: Satavahana King: Hakusiri
Date: 1st century CE Language: Prakrit
Gist: This is the only inscription that gives reference of "Asmaka” one of the 16 ancient Mahajanapadas. It records the gift of an image of Upatha-Yakini and an umbrella to Nagasani and Gopi by Sivavatu, son of a minister named Data hailing from Mahapuri and grandson of Nabhatha belonging to Ahimaka (Asmaka), probably when balaka Hakusiri was administering the region. The region Ahimaka can be identified with Asmaka or its variants Asaka, Assaka, comprising the modern districts of Nanded, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Hyderabad and Medak of Telangana. Its capital was Bodhan (Paudanya) in Nizamabad district. This Asmaka was ruled by Hakusiri, son of Satavahana king Satakarni I.
Reference: J.E.S.I, Vol. XLV, pp. 117 ff.
Provenance: Chebrolu, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh
Gist: Seems to record the gift of Chatusala (a cloister) and Chatuna (chaitya) to lord Bhagavata (Buddha) of Gamdasamata by a certain person (name not known) hailing from tabava. This inscription gives the earliest epigraphical reference to matha.
Reference: Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy. 2014–15 B. 12
Provenance: Kotturu, Vishakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh
Gist: Inscription reads as Tambaya Danam is engraved on the relic casket. It refers to the name of a person "Tamba" who donated a finely carved stone relic casket for enshrining the holy relic of the Master in the stupa as seen at other stupas like Bhattiprolu, Jaggaiahpet and Amaravati etc.
Reference: Buddhist Relic Caskets in South India, pp. 102.
Provenance: Kirari, Raipur District, Chhattisgarh
Date: 2nd Century CE Language: Prakrit
Gist: It records the list of officers along with their titles or designations like Nagararakhins (city-guards or Police-inspectors), Senapati (commander of army), Pratihara (door-keeper), Gahapatiya (keeper of the household fire), Bhandagarika (store-keeper), Hatharoha (the king’s elephant-driver), Asvaroha (horseman), Padamulika (temple attendant) etc. The terms denoting the designations of the officers reflect the hierarchy of those times. The list of the designations are the earliest and interesting.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XVIII, pp. 153–157
Provenance: Pugalur, Karur district, Tamil Nadu
Date: 2nd Century CE Language: Tamil
Gist: Refers to the names of three Chera kings and the donation to the Jain monk.
Reference: ARIEp No.349, 1927–28.
Provenance: Junagadh, Junagadh District, Gujarat
Dynasty: Kshatrapa King: Rudradaman
Date: Saka 72 (150 CE) Language: Sanskrit
Gist: Records the restoration of the Sudharsana lake by the king which was destroyed by excessive floods, through the viceroy of Anarta and Saurashtra named Suvishaka, a Pahlava, by spending a large amount of money from his own treasury without oppressing the people by taxes, forced labour, etc. The lake was originally constructed during the reign of the Maurya Chandragupta by his provincial governor Vaisya Pushyagupta and was renovated under the Maurya Asoka by his governor, the Yavana king Tushaspha. It also mentions the territories ruled by the king and describes his military achievements.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. VIII, pp. 36 ff and plate.
Provenance: Nashik, Nashik district, Maharashtra
Dynasty: Kshatrapa King: Nahapana
Date: Circa 119–24 CE Language: Sanskrit influenced by Prakrit
Gist: Records that Ushavadata, the son-in-law of the king Nahapana, made liberal gifts of cows, money and lands to the brahmanas and enumerates his other pious acts.
Reference: Ep. Ind., Vol. VIII, pp. 78 ff. and plate.
Find spot: Kanaganahalli, Chitapura Taluk, Gulbarga District, Karnataka
Date: 2nd century CE Language: Prakrit
Gist: The label inscription at the top of the panel reads Raya Asoko.
Reference: Excavations at Kanaganahalli
Dynasty: Satavahana King: Vijaya
Date: 5th Regnal year (207 CE) Language: Prakrit
Gist: Records the construction of prasada (temple), mandapa and consecration of images on southern side of the temple by a certain Varmmana (name partly lost) for the merit of the king at the (temple) of Bhagavati (goddess) Saktimatruka at Tambrape (Chebrolu). This inscription gives the earliest epigraphical reference to Saptamatrika.
Reference: Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy. 2014–15 B. 11
Provenance: Barnala, Barnala district, Rajasthan
Date: 3rd century CE Language: Sanskrit
Gist: Records the erection of seven sacrificial pillars on the full-moon day of the month Chaitra in the year Krita 284 by the king (name lost) belonging to Sohartri-gotra to increase his religious merit.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica vol. XXVI, pp. 118–123
Provenance: Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Gujarat
Date: 1st century BCE – 4th century CE Language: Sanskrit
Gist: 58 terracotta sealings with legends inscribed on those were retrieved from the archaeological excavations at Vadnagar, known in ancient period by various names such as Anartapura, Anandapur, Chamatkarpur, Skandpur, Nagaraka, etc. Two sealings with the name Anandapura were found belonging to 1st century BCE and 2nd–3rd century CE. Sealings bearing various legends such as Sarvalasysa, Devasenasya, Rudradevasya, Rudrasenasya, Sri Sinhasya, Sri Sinhaputra balamitrasya, Sri Svaminaditya, Buddhadattasya, Bhavasarmasya, all datable to 2nd–3rd century CE, Sri Mahesvarasenasya of 3rd century CE, Isvarasenasya and Isvaravarmmanah of 4th century CE, were found.
Reference: Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy. 2017–18, Nos. B 88–145
Provenance: Arachalur, Erode district, Tamil Nadu
Date: 4th century CE Language: Tamil
Script: Vatteluttu
Gist: This inscription contains musical notation composed of the syllables ta, taa, te and tai arranged symmetrically in five columns and five rows.
Reference: Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy No. B. 280 of 1961–62
Provenance: Patagandigudem, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Ikshvaku King: Ehavala Chantamula
Date: 3rd–4th century CE Language: Prakrit
Gist: This is the earliest copper plate grant in Southern India. It mentions an order issued by the Ikshvaku king Ehavala Chantamula, the performer of asvamedha sacrifice, from his military camp of Dhanakada. States that the king instituted a permanent endowment (akhchayanivi) as Bikkuboga for the enjoyment and halt of the visitors, residents and mendicants of the Mahavihara of Pithunda on the occasion of building a quadrangular cloister (chatussala) in the courtyard of the western gate for his own merit as well as for his longevity, strength and welfare.
Reference: Purabhilekhapatrika, pp. 11–119
Provenance: Devnimori, Aravalli district, Gujarat
Dynasty: Kshatrapa King: Rudrasena
Date: 376 CE Language: Sanskrit
Gist: Begins with salutation to Sarvajna (Buddha) and records that this mahastupa was constructed as adjunct to a mahavihara for the sake of Sakya Bhikshus (Buddhist monks). Further it states that this auspicious stone casket enshrining the physical remains of Dasdabala (Buddha) was made by Varaha, son of Sena, the maker of the pavement. The inscription ends by stating that the monk Mahasena wants the favor of Sagata (Buddha) for himself.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XXXVII, pp. 68 ff. and plates
Provenance : Allahabad, Allahabad District, Uttar Pradesh
Dynasty : Gupta King : Samudragupta
Date : Mid. 4th century CE Language : Sanskrit (kavya) Script : Eastern variety of Gupta alphabet (Brahmi)
Gist :
This inscription is a historically important composition, which records not only the military conquests of the king, his personal character and genealogy, but also throws light on the historical geography and system of political administration of the period.
It records the unique military glory, which the king has attained by putting down the confideracy of four kings (names mentioned) and the many and manifold conquests achieved by the king in different parts of India, beginning with the kings of Dakshinapatha (names of the kings and their kingdoms mentioned) and rulers of Aryavarta (names mentioned).
Further it records names of five frontier countries (Pratyanta) and nine tribes, who propitiated the monarch by payment of all tributes, execution of commands and attendance at his court for offering homage.
It also states that the distant foreign monarchs (names mentioned) also maintained friendly relations with the king. This inscription was composed by Harishena and engraved by Tilabhattaka.
Reference : C.I.I., Vol. III (Revised), pp. 11-35 and 203-20 and plate.
Provenance: Durjanapura, Vidisha District, Madhya Pradesh
Dynasty: Gupta King: Ramagupta
Date: 4th century CE Language: Sanskrit
Gist: These three Jaina inscriptions record that the images of Chandraprabha, Pushpadanta and Padmaprabha were made by maharajadhiraja Ramagupta. The image of Chandraprabha was done on the advice of Chella-Kshamana, a Jaina teacher described as Pani Patrika. These inscriptions provide the first epigraphical reference to Ramagupta of the imperial Gupta dynasty.
Reference: C.I.I., Vol. (Rev.) III, pp. 231 ff and plate
Provenance: Phanigiri, Nalgonda District, Telangana
Dynasty: Ikshvaku King: Rudrapurushadatta
Date: Regnal year 18 (4th Century CE) Language: Sanskrit and Prakrit
Gist: Records the erection of a lofty dharma-chakra by the Chief physician of the Ikshvaku ruler Rudrapurushadatta. This inscription adds seven more years to the reign of the King Rudrapurushadatta and may be considered the earliest Sanskrit poetic composition of the Ikshvaku period.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Volume XLIII, pp. 75 ff
Provenance: Kondamudi, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Brihatpalayana King: Jayavarman
Date: 4th Century CE Language: Prakrit
Script: Archaic Telugu-Kannada
Gist: This inscription is the only record of the Brihatpalayana dynasty. It records the grant of the village Pantura in Kudurahara to eight brahmanas as a brahmadeya, including the gotras of the brahmanas and their shares in the village.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. VI, pp. 315 ff
Provenance: Mayidavolu, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Pallava King: Sivaskandavarman
Date: 10th Regnal year (Early 4th Century CE) Language: Sanskrit
Gist: Records the grant of the village Viripara belonging to Andhrapatha by the ruler to two brahmanas of Agnivesya-gotra viz., Puvakotja and Gonamdija. It consists of exemptions and privileges to be enjoyed by the donees.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Volume VI, pp. 84 ff
Provenance: Khairigarh, Uttar Pradesh
Dynasty: Gupta King: Kumaragupta
Date: Circa. 5th century CE Language: Sanskrit
Script: Shell characters
Gist: This inscription engraved on the back of a stone horse, preserved in the State Museum at Lucknow, reads “Sri Mahendraditya,” which is identified as one of the titles of the king. Probably this image represents the portrait of the horse which was sacrificed by the king in Aavamedha yaga.
Reference: Sharma R.K. (ed.), Studies in the Shell Script, pp. 83 ff and plates.
Provenance: Damodarpur, West Dinajpur district, West Bengal
Dynasty: Gupta King: Kumaragupta I
Date: 443 CE Language: Sanskrit Script: Brahmi
Gist:
This record is important to understand the hierarchy in provincial administration. Next to the king comes in sequential order the Head (Uparika) of the province (bhukti), District head (Vishayadhikarana), Head of the town (adhishthana) administered by a Kumaramatya., who was appointed directly by Uparika along with the Chief Merchant (Nagara-sreshthin), Sarthavaha, Prathama-Kulika and Prathama-Kayastha (Chief accountant).
The object of the inscription is to record the purchase of 1 kulyavapa by a Brahmana for the purpose of this agnihotra rites. The Brahmana first made application to the government of the Kotivarsha town. The land was selected by the local record keepers, 3 in number and given to him after his payment of 3 dinaras as its price.
Reference: CII Vol. III (Rev.), pp. 283ff. and plates.
Provenance: Arasalapuram, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu
Dynasty: Not known King: Not known
Date: 5th century CE Language: Tamil
Gist: Refers to the death of a cock, which was fighting with another cock at Melaichcheri in Mugaiy@r.
Reference: Mahadevan I, Early Tamil Epigaraphy, 2003
Provenance: Vavveru, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Early Pallava King: Simhavarman
Date: 10th regnal year, (5th century CE) Language: Sanskrit
Script: Telugu-Kannada
Gist: Records the grant of the village Vilavatti in Munda-rashtra with all taxes to Vishnusarman of the Gautama-gotra and the Chandoga-sakha. The grant was made from Paddukkar-adhishthana. States that he was the son of yuvamaharaya Vishnugopa, grandson of Skandavarman and great grandson of Viravarman belonging to Bharadvaja-gotra. A number of taxes which are paid by metal-workers, leather-workers, shops in general, water-diviners, weavers, barbers are now given over to the donee.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXIV, pp.296 ff.
Provenance: Halmidi, Hassam District, Karnataka
Dynasty: Kadamba King: Kakusthavarman
Date: Circa. 450 CE Language: Kannada
Script: Archaic Kannada
Gist: Registers the gift of two villages Palmadi and Mulivalli to Vija-arasa, son of Ella-bhatari for having fought bravely and defeated the Pallavas in a battle. The Pallavas assisted by the Kekaya army, fought against the Kadambas whose army included those of the Sendrakas and Banas. The present record is considered as earliest Kannada inscription.
Reference: Mys. Arch. Rep., 1936, plate XXII facing p. 72.
Provenance: Banavasi, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka
Dynasty: Kadamba
King: Mrgesavarman
Date: 5th Century CE
Language: Sanskrit
Script: Southern Box Headed characters
Gist: This fragmentary record commences with the word Siddham and invokes god Vishnu. It gives the genealogy of the king and refers to his victories over the Gangas and the Pallavas. The king’s father (Santivarma) is described as Ranabhima in the record.
Reference: Studies in Indian History and Culture (Prof. P.B. Desai felicitation volume), pp. 57 ff and plate facing p. 102.
Provenance: Gudnapur, North Canara District, Karnataka
King: Ravivarma
Language & Script: Sanskrit, Southern Box Headed characters
Gist: It gives a genealogical account of the Kadamba family and records the construction of a temple for Manmatha and grants made for its worship and maintenance, and also the making of a tank named Gudda-tataka by the king. The record is engraved from bottom to top.
Reference: Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy, 1970-71, No. B 194.
Provenance: Umachal Hill, Guwahati District, Assam
Dynasty: Bhauma Naraka
King: Surendravarman
Gist: Records that Maharajadhiraja Surendravarman made the cave temple for the god Balabhadrasvamin. This record is important as Surendravarman is not known from any other sources and the deity Bhagavat Balabhadrasvamin is not mentioned in any other Gupta period epigraphic record. It is the earliest discovered record in Assam speaking about construction of artificial caves and installation of deities.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXXI, p. 69.
Provenance: Ci-aruton, Borneo
Dynasty: Ruler of Borneo
King: Purnnavarman
Date: 5th or 6th Century CE
Script: Box-headed Brahmi
Gist: Refers to King Purnnavarman, lord of Taruma, who was deified and whose footprints were worshipped by the people like the footprints of Vishnu.
Reference: Select Inscriptions, Vol. I, p. 501 and plate No. LXII.
Provenance: Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka
Dynasty: Chalukyas of Badami
King: Chalukya Vallabhesvara (Pulakesi I)
Date: Saka 465 = 543 CE
Gist: Records the construction of an unconquerable fortress at Vatapi by Chalukya Vallabhesvara who performed Asvamedha and other sacrifices according to sruta rites. It is the earliest authentic instance of the use of the Saka era in South Indian inscriptions and gives the earliest reference to a fort in Karnataka.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXVII, pp. 4 ff and plate.
Provenance: Irulappatti, Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu
Dynasty: Not known
King: Not known
Date: 6th Century CE
Language: Tamil
Gist: It is the earliest Vatteluttu inscription in Tamil Nadu. It records the erection of a memorial stone to a hero who died in battle.
Reference: ARIEp 1967-68 B.No: 243
Provenance: Kalamalla, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Cholas of Renadu
King: Erikal-Muturaju
Date: Last quarter of 6th Century CE
Language: Telugu prose
Gist: Records a gift by Revanakalu of Chirumburu during the rule of Erikal-Muturaju Dhananjaya of Renadu. Along with the Erragudipadu inscription, it appears to be among the earliest inscriptions written completely in the Telugu language.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Volume XXVII, pp. 221 ff.
Dynasty: Maitraka
King: Vishnushena
Date: 592 CE
Gist: This charter, called acharasthiti-patra (charter of ethical behaviour), contains seventy-two regulations reflecting prevalent customary laws. These include rules relating to property, conduct of royal officials, judicial procedures, crimes and fines, land disputes, trade guilds, taxes, storehouses, free labour, royal offerings, and wine distillers.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XXX, pp. 163 ff and plate.
Provenance: Asirgadh, Nimad District, Madhya Pradesh
Dynasty: Maukhari
King: Sarvavarman
Script: Siddamatrika
Gist: Records the genealogy of Maharajadhiraja Sarvavarman of the Maukhari family, beginning from the illustrious Maharaja Harivarman.
Reference: C.I.I., Vol. III (Fleet), pp. 219 ff.
Provenance: Bangkok, Thailand
Dynasty: Pallava
King: Mahendravarman
Date: 6th–7th Century CE
Script: Grantha
Gist: A short Sanskrit inscription in Anustubh metre engraved in four lines. It records the excavation of a tank named Sankara-tataka by King Mahendravarman.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XXXVI, pp. 111 ff and plate.
Provenance: Pune, Maharashtra
King: Pulakesi II
Date: 9th Regnal Year (618–19 CE)
Script: Kannada
Gist: Records donation of 50 nivartana of land to Brahmana Nagasarma. The charter is historically significant as it confirms Pulakesi II’s defeat of Harshavardhana by 619 CE.
Reference: Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy, 2016-17 A.4.
Provenance: Mandagapattu, Tamil Nadu
King: Mahendravarman I
Date: First half of 7th Century CE
Gist: Records creation of a brickless, timberless, metalless and mortarless temple (Lakshitayatana) dedicated to Brahma, Isvara and Vishnu by King Vichitra-Chitta.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XVII, pp. 14 ff.
Provenance: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Dynasty: Pushyabhuti
King: Harsha
Date: Regnal Year 22 (628 CE)
Gist: Registers grant of village Pandaratgaka as agrahara to Bhatta Utukhalasvamin for religious merit of Harsha’s parents and brother Rajyavardhana.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XLIII, part-I.
Provenance: Badami, Karnataka
King: Kappe Arabhatta
Date: 8th Century CE
Language: Kannada
Gist: Eulogizes Kappe-Arabhatta in three Kannada verses in tripadi metre, considered the earliest inscriptional reference to tripadi in Kannada literature.
Reference: Indian Antiquary, Vol. X, pp. 61 ff.
Provenance: Addanki, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh.
Dynasty: Eastern Chalukya King: Gunaga Vijayaditya
Date: 1st regnal year (848 CE) Language: Telugu (Prose and verse) Script: Telugu-Kannada
This inscription records the gift of land sowable with 80 puttis of paddy at Dharmavaram to the god Aditya-Bhattara by Pandaranga who was a staunch devotee of Mahesvara. It describes the victories of Pandaranga over the Boyas who held twelve forts inclusive of Kattem and Kandukuru, in the first year of the king who was no other than Gunaga Vijayaditya.
This inscription is very important for the Telugu language used before the composition of the Mahabharata by Nannaya in Telugu. Though inscriptions are available in Telugu earlier, all of them were in prose. This inscription happens to be the earliest to be written in Telugu poetry. It contains a verse in the Taruvoja meter.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Volume XIX, pp. 271 ff.
Provenance: Khalimpur, Malda district, West Bengal
Dynasty: Pala King: Dharmapaladeva
Date: 9th century CE Language: Sanskrit Script: Nagari
Records that the king at the request of his mahasamantadhipati Narayanavarman, communicated through the dutaka, the Yuvaraja Tribhuvanapala granted four villages (names and boundaries mentioned) to the temple of the god Nunna-Narayana founded by Narayanavarman at Subhasthali. A list of officials is mentioned to whom details of the grant are made known.
This record is important from the political point of view as it reveals the circumstances in which the founder of Pala dynasty Gopala I was chosen by the people to assume the sovereignty to put an end to lawlessness and disorder.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. IV, pp. 243.
Provenance: Malda, West Bengal
Dynasty: Pala
King: Mahendrapaladeva
Date: Year 7 (857 CE)
Script: Gaudiya
Gist: Refers to construction of monastery at Nandadirghika and records grant for worship of Buddha, Prajnaparamita and other divinities. Engraved by Samanta Mahada.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XLII, p. 20 ff.
Provenance: Koravi, Mahbubabad Taluk, Warrangal District, Telangana
Dynasty: Eastern Chalukya King: Bhima I (641–73 CE)
Date: 7th Century CE Language & Script: Sanskrit and Telugu
It records a statement of offences and punishments to be meted out to people. For mutilation, theft and prostitution, a fine of 25 drammas is to be paid; and for criminal activities, men are to be punished with death. The village Koravi was to pay a tribute of 500 drammas annually. This sthiti seems to have been given by Niravadya, brother of Gonaga, after his succession to the throne. They were the sons of Kusumayudha, who fought against Rastrakuta Krishna and restored the Mudugonda principality under the Ranamarda family to the Vengi Chalukya ruler Chalukya Bhima I.
The inscription is not only important for political history of Andhra of 9th -10th centuries; it is also useful for the use of Telugu prior to Nannaya’s time.
Reference: Epigraphia Andhrica, Vol. I, pp.119 ff.
Provenance: Uttiramerur, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu
Dynasty: Chola
King: Parantaka I
Date: 14th Regnal Year (921 CE)
Script: Tamil
Gist: Gives detailed rules and regulations for election to the village assemblies at Uttiramerur-chaturvedimangalam.
Reference: Annual Report of Archaeological Survey of India, 1904–05.
Provenance: Kurumathur, Malappuram District, Kerala
Dynasty: Chera
King: Rajasekhara
Date: 10th Century CE
Gist: Registers construction of side walls of a great tank (mahasaras). Opening prasasti links Rajasekhara with Ikshvaku, Srirama and Suryavamsa. Text composed in Sardula-vikriditam metre.
Reference: SII Vol. 43, No.52; ESI Vol. XLII.
Provenance: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
King: Rajaraja I
Gist: Refers to construction of Rajarajesvaram-udaiyar temple at Thanjavur with gifts from the royal family.
Reference: SII, Vol. II.
Provenance: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Dynasty: Lohara
Queen: Didda
Date: Laukika Year 68 (992 CE)
Script: Sarada
Gist: Records digging of wells and tanks by Dharmanka in honor of his mother during Queen Didda’s reign. The title “rajan” shows her sovereign authority.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXVII.
Provenance: Sarahan, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh
Gist: Records foundation of a Siva temple by Satyaki, son of Bhogata and husband of Soma Prabha of Kishkindhika lineage.
Reference: Antiquities of Chamba State, Part I.
Provenance: Vijayawada, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Vengi (Eastern) Chalukya King: Yuddhamalla
Date: 10th century CE Language: Telugu verse and prose Script: Telugu - Kannada
Records that Yuddhamalla built a temple to Kumarasvamin and erected a matha (monastery) at Bezawada. It also states that the god, having come to Bezawada to attend a jatara (festival) from Chebrolu, preferred to stay here and hence the king built that temple.
The inscription is also important for early Telugu literature as it contains verses in Madhyakkara metre.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Volume XV, pp. 150 ff.
Provenance: Kurikyala, Karimnagar District, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Chalukyas of Lemulavada King: Not known
Date: circa 10th century CE Language: Sanskrit, Kannada and Telugu Script: Telugu-Kannada
Inscription records the construction of the temples of Jina by Jinavallabha, brother of the famous scholar Pampa, the author of Vikramarjunavijaya in Kannada. Jinavallabha installed the image of his family deities, Vrishabha and Mahavira Tirthankaras and Chakresvari.
This inscription supplies many details of his family. He was the brother of Pampa, son of Bhimapayya and Vabbanabbe and grandson of Abhimana Chandra of Nedumgonda in Gundikara and of the astrologer Singha of Annigere. He was a disciple of Jayagonda Siddhanta-bhattara. He was a composer of Kavyas and could read poetry melodiously, being skilled in music.
He had a number of titles like sakala-kala-pravina, bhavya-ratnakara and guna-pakshapati. He offered worship to the Jaina ascetic and fed them. It is interesting to note that he hailed from Vangipura in Vengi-nadu and was a Kamma-brahmana (a brahmana of Kamma-nadu) and belonged to Srivatsa-gotra and Pancharsheya-pravara. One peculiar feature of the inscription is it is trilingual – Sanskrit, Kannada and Telugu. The Telugu verses were written in the Kanda meter. It suggests that Telugu verse was known in 10th century A.D., before the composition of Nannaya’s Mahabharata.
Reference: Epigraphia Andhrica, Volume II, pp. 21 ff.
Provenance: Saidapur, Bhuvanagiri District, Telangana
Dynasty: Western Chalukya King: Jagadekamalla I
Date: Saka 956 (4th June 1034 CE) Language: Kannada Script: Telugu-Kannada
It states that the king camping at Pottalekere on the occasion of a lunar eclipse, made a gift at the request of Vaidyaratnakara Pranacharya Aggalayya to the Jain temples Buddhasena jinalaya at Mucchanapalli constructed by Aggalayya himself and Vaidyaratnakara jinalaya at Ikkuriki, both included it Aleru-40, Kampana of Kollipaka-7000. The record in the second part extols the greatness of the physician Vaidya-ratnakara Pancharya Aggalayya who is stated to have been specialist in Sastra (surgery) and Sastra (Science) and was capable of curing even the severe diseases that cannot be cured by other physicians. The third part gives the details of the boundaries.
It is interesting to note that surgery in the system of Ayurveda was practiced with efficiency in those days. Aggalayya is stated to be the royal physician.
Reference: Inscriptions of Andhra Pradesh, Nalgonda District Vol. I., pp. 7 ff.
Provenance: Tiruvindalur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
Dynasty: Chola King: Virarajendra
Date: 1065 CE Language: Tamil Script: Tamil
This is the biggest copperplate ever discovered. It contains 85 sheets. Originally this copperplate was issued by Virarajendra. It records that the Chola king Rajadhiraja I (1053 A.D) made a gift of several villages to the learned brahmanas and created a chaturvedimangalam before he proceeded to the battle to fight with his enemies. But he was killed in the battle and the creation was ratified by his younger brother, Rajendra II, after he won the battle and returned triumphantly to his capital. Further, the king created the Rajendrachola-chaturvedimangalam to the brahmanas.
Reference: Sankaranarayanan.S, et al., Tiruvindalurchcheppedu, 2011. Dept of State Archaeology Tamil Nadu
Provenance: Talakadu, Mysuru district, Karnataka
Dynasty: Western Gangas
King: Marasimha
Date: Saka 926 (1004 CE)
Gist: Refers to Kundannasomidevi, the elder sister of nolambakulantaka Irmmadi Permmanadi, who got consecrated a nishidhi of Balachandra-muni as parokshavinaya, belonging to the Kondakundanvaya and Desigana.
Reference: ARIE 2013-14, No. B - 128
Provenance: Leiden, Netherlands
Date: 1005 CE
Gist: Registers the donation of the village Anaima^galam to the Buddhist monastery, built in the name of Sudamanivarman, the father of Vijayatunga, the King of Kadaram.
Reference: EI., Vol. 22, pp. 213-272
Provenance: Tirumukkudal, Chingleput District, Tamil Nadu
King: Virarajendra
Date: 1076 CE
Language & Script: Tamil
Gist: This is the biggest Tamil inscription. It records the assignment of 75 kalanju of gold which the residents of devadana village, Vayalaikkavur had been paying, to be utilized for meeting the expenses of worship of Maha Vishnu at Tirumukkudal. This amount had been apportioned to run a Vedic College and a hospital for the students (who studied in the college) fell sick. It also gives a list of medicines stocked in the hospital.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXI. P. 222-26
Provenance: Ennayiram, Villupuram Taluk, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu
King: Rajendra I
Date: 11th Century CE
Gist: The inscription records the grant of land for conducting offerings and worship to the recital of the sacred hymn, Tiruvaymol before the god Paramasvamigal. The record also contains details about the working of an educational institution attached to a temple, where Vedic subjects viz., Rig, Yajur, Chandogya, Sama, Atharva Veda, etc., were taught. Grammar, Philosophy and Puranas were also imparted. The record also enumerates the number of teachers, their remuneration, number of students, their status etc.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXXIX pp. 225-27
Provenance: Uren, Lakshisarai district, Bihar
Date: 11th - 12th century CE
Language: Pali
Script: Bhaikshuki
Gist: Records the doctrine of patichcha-samuppada (doctrine of the chain of causation) as taught by Buddha, followed by the Buddhist formula ye dharma hetu, etc., and states that this image is the gift of the illustrious Pratinava Srada(vi)tapala.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXVIII, p. 224, inscription no. 1 and plate facing p. 224
Provenance: Arigom, Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir
Date: Laukika year 73 (1197 CE)
Gist: Begins with invocation to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and records the construction of vihara made of burnt bricks by Ramadeva, the son of Kulladeva, in order to replace a previously existing wooden made shrine of Avalokitesvara, built by the physician Ulhanadeva, which was burnt down by the king Simha.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. IX, pp. 300 - 302 and pl.
Provenance: Motupalli, Bapatla Taluk, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Kakatiya
King: Ganapatideva
Date: 1244 - 1245 CE
Script: Telugu
Gist: This inscription is known as abhaya–sasana issued by Kakatiya Ganapatideva in favour of the sea-traders who arrived from all islands, foreign countries and towns. He fixed the tolls that are to be collected at Motupalli by the officers of the king on various items like sandal, camphor, pearls, ivory, copper, silk-threads etc.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Volume XII, pp. 196 ff.
Provenance: Chandupatla, Suryapet Taluk Nalgonda District, Telangana State
King: Rudramadevi
Date: 1289 CE
Language: Telugu
Gist: This inscription mentions the date of the death of the queen Rudramadevi, the daughter of Ganpatideva. Records the gift of wet land and garden lands to the west of Rudrasamudram for providing food offerings and maintenance of a perpetual lamp to the god Somanathadeva of Chandupatla for the attainment of Sivaloka by Rudramahadevi. The above pious act was made by Mallikarjunaraya.
Reference: Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy. 1989-90. B.12.
Provenance: Ratnagiri, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu
Dynasty: Unknown
King: Unknown
Date: 13th century A.D.
Remarks: Records a unanimous decision of the Periyan assembly comprising the grama, nãu, nagarams of the locality around Ku{itta=alai, related to the punishments to be met out to those who collude with the tax collectors. The intended punishments to the culprits were plucking of eyes and cutting of the noses, death, ex-communication for artisans, etc.
Reference: A.R.I.Ep., No. 153 of 1914.
Provenance: Porumamilla, Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Vijayanagara
King: Bhaskara Bavadura
Date: 1369 CE
Language: Telugu, Sanskrit
Gist: This Porumamilla tank is still functioning. It forms as one of the magnificent typical examples of the hydraulic technology of the Vijayanagara period. The inscription gives complete details of this tank and place and time of construction. This is elongated in shape, being some 7 miles long and 2½ miles broad (storage extent). It is provided with four sluices and five weirs. As detailed in the inscription at the time of its construction 1000 laborers were working daily on the tank and the dam. 100 bullock-carts were engaged every day. It took two years to complete and at enormous cost. Besides it mentions the twelve sadhanas (means) of Porumamilla tank and six doshas (defects) of tanks.
Reference: Irrigation Systems under Vijayanagara Empire, pp. 174 ff.
Provenance: K~{aikku}ichi, Pudukkottai, district, Tamil Nadu
Dynasty: P‰=`ya
King: Par‰krama P‰=`ya
Date: Regnal year 11 (13th century A.D.)
Remarks: This incomplete inscription is engraved on the tri-pattakumuda on the west wall of the central shrine of Som#|varamu`aiya-n’yan’r temple. It records some gift deed (ubaiya-pram’nam) of the òyapa`i-n’**’r assembly of K$n’`u to the god Alagiya S$m#|varam Udaiya-nayanar at K~{aikku}ichi alias Pagaittalaipadi in K$n’`u of Ka`ala`iyatila^gaiko=`a-Ch${ava{an’`u. It states that there took place a quarrel between two ladies of the village viz., Sokki and Su}}’l. Sokki, wife of Kondai-udappakkon and daughter of Onrayirakkon, was verbally abused by Su]]’l, a daughter of Alagiya-Perayan-Silamban. Unable to bear the insult, Sokki consumed poison and died. As a revenge the relatives of Sokki along with the V~rakko`iyar of their assembly (samaiyam) caught Ka`ambi, the sister of Su]]’l and tortured her to death. The òyapa`i-n’**’r taking responsibility for the murder of Ka`ambi approached the @r’rs of K~{aikku}ichi seeking their judgment. As the inscription is damaged we could not obtain further details. Perhaps the gift deed was made as decided by the @rar.
Reference: To be included in A.R.I.Ep. 2018-19.
Provenance: Phirangipuram, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh
Dynasty: Reddis of Kondavidu
King: Peda Komati Vema Reddi
Date: Saka 1331 (1410 CE)
Language: Sanskrit & Telugu
Gist: It records the construction of a tank named Santanasagara by Suramamba, the queen of Peda Komati Vema Reddi at Phirangipuram. It gives the genealogy of the Reddi family tracing ancestry from Macha, an elder brother of Prolaya Vema, the founder of the Reddis. This inscription gives an interesting fact that the well-known Telugu poet, Srinatha was the vidyadhikari in the Reddi Kingdom and was the composer of this inscription.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol.XI, pp.313 ff.
Provenance: Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamilnadu
King: Saluva Narasimha
Date: 1493 CE
Language: Tamil & Sanskrit
Gist: Registers a gift of 2 veli of land in Pandimangalam by Srinivasa alias Sriranga-Garu`avahana-Bhatta, to provide worship and offerings to god Dhanvantari-emperuman, which was newly installed by the donor and for supply of medicinal decoction (kudinir) to the god. The donor is stated to have reconstructed the hospital (arogya-salai) to the west of the Chandra-pushkarini, which had been in the charge of his ancestor and which had been destroyed by fire.
Reference: Ep. Ind. Vol. XXIV, pp. 90 - 101, ARE B 81 of 1937.
Provenance: Gaya, Bihar
Dynasty: Tuluva
King: Krishnadevaraya
Date: Saka 1444 (1521 CE)
Language & Script: Telugu
Gist: It states that the inscription is a Vijaya-sasana set up by Vira Krishnadevaraya who was titled as Rajadhiraja rajaparamesvara and Virapratapa. This is followed by a verse describing the king as the husband of Tirumaladevi and as the son of king Isvara-Narasa (Narasa Nayaka, son of Isvara), which is the same as the verse occurring in the Telugu literary work Parijatapaharanamu authored by Nandi (Mukku) Timmana, a court poet of Krishnadevaraya. Further the inscription refers to Mukku Timmaya (Timmana) as the composer of the inscription.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Volume XXXIII, pp. 110 ff.
Date: 17th October 1529 CE
Gist: This is a landmark discovery pertaining to the death date of Sri Krishnadevaraya. It mentions the date that is in Saka 1451, Kartika su. 15 which corresponds to 17th October 1529 CE. It reads as Sri Krishnaraya maharayaru yi tatha-tithiyalu astamayavagalu (died on 17th October 1529 CE). It further registers the gift of the village Honnenalli situated in Tumakuru-sime in Murugala-nadu of Anebiddasaraya-stala in Penugondarajya for conducting worship and providing offerings to the god Viraprasanna-hanumanta of Tumkuru by Bimappanna nayaka along with some officials and inhabitants of Tumkuru.
Ref: JESI Vol. XLVI, pp. 122 ff.
Provenance: Jamugiri, Darrang district, Assam
Dynasty: Ahom
King: Sivasimha
Date: 18th century CE
Language: Ahom
Script: Ahom
Gist: Records the grant of two gots of men or paik (soldier), who were under the khasangi Hazarika to a certain brahmana named Bagish Bhattacharyya of Kaliabar. The grant was made on the occasion of the dedication of the big tank at Rangpur.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXXVIII, pp. 179 - 182 and plate
Provenance: Bhoja sala (Kamal Maula Mosque), Dhar, Madhya Pradesh
Dynasty: Paramara
King: Bhoja
Date: 11th century CE
Language: Prakrit (Maharashtri)
Script: Nagari
Gist: This inscription contains poems comprising of two odes, each of 109 stanzas in the Arya metre, dedicated to the Kurmavatara of Vishnu. In the second ode it is said that even the tortoise has been surpassed by king Bhoja who now carries the earth. This poem (kurma-sataka) has been composed by the king Bhoja and is important from literary point of view.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. VIII, pp. 241 - 60
Provenance: Mandhata, Nimar District, Madhya Pradesh
Date: Samvat 1120 (1063 CE)
Gist: The record opens with the phrase Om namah Sivaya which is immediately followed by Halayudha-stotra in praise of Siva. The last verse contains an account of the author of the hymn i.e. Halayudha, who can be identified as the author of the Kavirahasya, the Abhidhanaratnamala and the Mritasanjivani. In this connection it can be mentioned that the author has written the first work in the court of Rashtrakuta king Krishna III (CE 939-967 CE) and the last mentioned work in the court of the Paramara king Munja-Vakpati (974-993 CE). This is followed by another hymns, which is identical with that found in the Siva-dvadasanama-stotra and gives the 12 principal names of Siva. Then comes a verse enumerating five jyotirlingas. Next it gives names of Saivaite teachers of Pasupata sect viz., Bhattaraka Sri Bhavavalmika and his disciple Bhattaraka Sri Bhavasamudra living in the Somesvaradeva monastery at Bhojanagara, who apparently were responsible for setting up the record found on the slab. The engraver of the record is Pandita Gandhadhvaja of the Chapala-gotra.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXV, pp. 173 ff and 183 ff.
Provenance: Ajmer, Ajmer District, Rajasthan
Dynasty: Chahamana
King: Vigraharajadeva
Date: Vikrama 1210, Margasirsha, su. 5 (Sunday, 1153 CE, November 22)
Language: Sanskrit and Prakrit
Gist: Contains the concluding portion of the fifth act, called Krauncha-vijaya of the Harakeli-nataka composed by the king Vigraharajadeva of Sakambhari. Record opens with a conversation, held by Siva, his wife Gauri, the Vidushaka and a Pratihara. Refers to the worshipping of Siva by Ravana and the story of Kiratarjuniya. At the end, the record refers to the king as receiving blessings from lord Siva himself. The record is engraved by Bhaskara.
Reference: Indian Antiquary, Vol. XX, pp. 201 ff.
King: Vigraharahadeva
Date: 12th century CE
Gist: Contains end of the third act and a large portion of the fourth act of the Lalita-Vigraharaja-nataka, composed in honor of the king Vigraharajadeva of Sakambhari, by the mahakavi Somadeva. Describes the love affair of the king with a princess named Vasantapala and illustrates the military prowess of the king and his rival Hammira, the Turushka ruler. The record is engraved by Bhaskara.
Provenance: Bhojasala (Kamal Maula Mosque), Dhar, Madhya Pradesh
King: Arjunavarma
Date: 13th century CE
Language: Sanskrit & Prakrit
Gist: The inscription contains the two first acts of a hitherto unknown natika, i.e. a drama of four acts, entitled Parijatamanjari or Vijayasri. This drama has been composed by the king’s preceptor (rajaguru) Madana, whose family hailed from Gauda (Bengal), and who was descendant of Gangadhara. It was staged for the first time at the spring-festival in the city of Dhara (the modern Dhar). This inscription is important from literary point of view.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. VIII, pp. 96-126
Provenance: Anegundi, Raichur District, Karnataka
Gist: The first part of the grant narrates the Vivaha-purana (i.e. the story of the marriage of lord Siva with Parvati).
Reference: Copper Plate Inscriptions from Karnataka, pp. 61 ff and plates.
Provenance: Urusukonda, Warangal District, Telangana
Gist: The inscription is a laghu-kavya composed by poet Narasimha in 62 verses. While verses 1 to 60 are in Sardulavikridita metre, 61 and 62 are in Sragdhara. It gives a graphic account of the love, separation and marriage of a Siddha couple (names not mentioned). The poet uses a style of narration known as kavi-nibaddha-vaktri-praudhokti-siddha, wherein the poet identifies himself with the hero and through him the story is recounted in retrospect. He effectively uses vipralambha-sringara and sambhoga-sringara. His descriptions especially of the objects of nature are beautiful and realistic, wherein he skillfully and artistically blended various alamkaras like upama, udatta, utpreksha, samasokti, sahokti, etc., in this composition.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XLI, pp. 219 ff. and plate.
Provenance: Hanumakonda, Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh
King: Vira Rudra (Prataparudra II)
Date: 14th Century CE
Language: Sanskrit (verse)
Gist: This is a part of the composition of a poet named Narasimha who gives a description of Andhradesa and its capital Ekasilanagari (Warangal) written in anushtubh metre. Since mention is made of Vira Rudra, identical with the last Kakatiya king Prataparudra II (CE 1289-1323), the poet might have lived in his time. Inscribing literary works on stone is rare. The verses are derived of the use of labials; which is a type of composition.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXXVI, pp. 209 ff.
Provenance: Begram, Parwan province, Afghanistan
Date: 1st century CE
Language: Prakrit
Gist: Records that the image was donated by a person named Antari, for the merit of her father.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XXII, pp. 11 - 14 and pl.
Provenance: Gardez, Paktia province, Afghanistan
Dynasty: Shahi
King: Shahi Khingala
Date: Regnal year 8 (6th century CE)
Script: Siddhamatrika
Gist: States that the image of Maha Vinayaka was installed by Paramabhattaraka Maharajadhiraja Shahi Khingala alias Otyata Shahi.
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XXXV, pp.44 - 47 and pl.
Provenance: Kalawan, Punjab province, Pakistan
Date: Samvat 134 (77 CE)
Gist: Records that the female worshipper (upasika) Chandrabhi, the daughter of householder (grihapati) Dhramma and the wife of Bhadravala, puts up the relics in the stupa at Chhadasila, together with her family members belonging to Sarvastivada sect for the merit of all beings and for obtaining salvation.
Provenance: Kala sang, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan
Gist: Records the construction of the well by the companions of Pipalakhaa.
Reference: CII. Vol. II, Part 1, pp.52 - 54 and pl. XI. I.
Provenance: Vesali, Arakan, Rakhine state, Myanmar
Dynasty: Chandras of Arakan
King: Nitichandra and Virachandra
Date: 6th century CE
Language: Brahmi
Script: Sanskrit and Pali
Gist: The gist of the three inscriptions is as below:
Reference: Epigraphia Indica Vol. XXXII, pp.103 - 109 and pl.
Provenance: Tonigala, Vavuniya district, Northern province, Sri Lanka
King: Srimeghavarnna
Date: 3rd Regnal year (4th century CE)
Language: Early Sinhalese
Gist: Records that Devaya, a member of the Council of Ministers residing at the village of Kadubala, deposited some quantities of grain and beans with a guild at Kalahumana in the northern quarter of the city with the stipulation that the capital should remain unspent and the interest should be utilized for providing meals to the monks of Yahisapavata monastery during the vassa season of every year.
Reference: Ep.Zey., Vol. III, pp.172 - 188 and pl.
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