13th Century Inscribed Metal Bell From Patan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the 13th-century inscribed metal bell from Patan:

The article "A 13th Century Inscribed Metal-Bell from Patan (N. Gujarat)" by Dr. M. R. Majumdar discusses the significance of a metal bell discovered in Patan, now housed in the Central Asian Antiquities Museum in New Delhi. This artifact is presented as crucial material evidence for the art of metal casting in Gujarat, particularly for objects used in worship.

The author begins by highlighting the artistic completeness found in even ordinary everyday articles in Gujarat, such as household and temple furniture, water jugs, and lamps. This sets the stage for appreciating the bell's artistic and functional value.

The article then delves into the general nature and historical importance of bells. It defines a bell as a hollow metallic vessel producing noise, usually cup-shaped, and capable of producing a fundamental note. The author distinguishes bells from similar metallic objects like gongs or tinkling ornaments. Historically, bells have been linked to religious and social uses, and even architectural developments, suggesting that towers might have evolved to accommodate bells. The text provides examples of famous large bells worldwide, detailing their immense weights and sizes, and touches upon the evolution of bell founding from monastic practices to professional guilds. It also mentions the composition of bell metal (copper and tin) and the artistic elements like lettering and foundry marks that help in dating.

The text then narrows its focus to the history of metal casting in Gujarat, identifying Sihor, Visnagar, and Dabhoi as key centers for this art. It references an earlier dated metal bell from Ajara, weighing 35 lbs. and dated V.S. 1034 (circa 977 AD), though it notes suspicion about the accuracy of its date.

The primary focus of the article is the Patan bell. Dr. Majumdar describes receiving photographic prints of this bell in June 1951, which bears an inscription. The inscription, read from four side views, provides critical information. It states that the temple bell was presented to the Caitya (temple) of Sri Candraprabha Svami in the Vagada district in Samvat 1318 (equivalent to 1262 A.D.), on the fourth day of the bright half of the month of Magha. The inscription also notes the use of "Prstha-matra," a specific notation. The bell itself is described as having a height of 15 inches, an outer diameter at the bottom of 13.8 inches, and weighing 45 lbs.

The author concludes by asserting that this Patan bell is undoubtedly the earliest dated specimen of a metal bell from Gujarat. He suggests further investigation into Gujarat's earlier metal-casting history, referencing the Akota hoard of bronzes and their potential connection to the "School of Ancient West" mentioned by the Buddhist historian Taranath.

In essence, the article presents a significant archaeological discovery, the 13th-century inscribed metal bell from Patan, and uses it to illuminate the skilled metal-casting practices in Gujarat during that period, particularly within a religious context, and establishes it as a key piece of dated evidence for the region's artistic heritage.