Epigraphia Indica Vol 01

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided text of Epigraphia Indica, Volume I (1892), edited by Jas. Burgess. The book is a foundational collection of ancient Indian inscriptions, offering invaluable insights into the history, languages, religions, and social structures of the subcontinent.

Here's a summary of its key aspects:

1. Purpose and Scope:

• Epigraphia Indica was initiated as a record to supplement the Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum of the Archaeological Survey. Its primary goal was to publish translations and transcriptions of inscriptions in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Persian, Arabic, and other languages, along with lists of inscriptions and miscellaneous antiquarian information.
• The publication aimed to bring together inscriptions scattered across various journals of Asiatic Societies, serving as "real archives of the annals of its ancient history."
• The editor, Jas. Burgess, along with his assistant editors E. Hultzsch and A. Führer, recognized the immense historical value of inscriptions, noting their ability to illustrate chronology, geography, religious systems, dynastic affiliations, economic practices (taxes, land tenures), customs, language, and scripts.

2. Historical Context of Publication:

• The proposal for Epigraphia Indica was submitted to the Government of India in February 1887.
• The publication was envisioned as a quarterly issue, though the first volume extended beyond this schedule due to press delays and the editor's departure from India in 1889.
• The preface highlights the long-recognized importance of inscriptions by early pioneers of Indian research like Wilkins, Colin Mackenzie, Colebrooke, Prinsep, and others. It also notes previous, unfulfilled projects for a Corpus Inscriptionum (M. Jacquet in 1835) and the Bombay Temple Commission's report in 1851 emphasizing the desirability of publishing such material.
• Major-General A. Cunningham had previously issued the first volume of his Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum (focusing on Aśoka inscriptions), and J. F. Fleet had published the third volume (early Gupta kings). Epigraphia Indica, Vol. I, is considered to practically stand as the fourth volume of this series.

3. Key Contributors and Scholarship:

• The volume features contributions from highly respected Oriental scholars of the time, including:
  • Professor G. Bühler (Vienna)
  • Professor F. Kielhorn (Göttingen)
  • Professor J. Eggeling (Edinburgh)
  • E. Hultzsch (Madras)
  • J. F. Fleet (Bo. C.S.)
  • Professor H. Jacobi (Bonn)
  • Vajeshankar G. Ojha
• Their expertise guaranteed the quality of the notes, translations, and scholarly commentary provided for each inscription.

4. Significant Inscriptions and Findings in Volume I: The volume contains a rich collection of inscriptions, many of which were newly discovered or newly edited. Some of the prominent ones include:

• Prakrit Grant of the Pallava King Śivaskandavarman: Edited by G. Bühler, this inscription is significant for its linguistic analysis of Prakrit, its archaic letter forms, and its contribution to understanding Pallava history and the use of Prakrit as an official language. It highlights the ongoing debate about the relationship between Prakrit and Sanskrit in early inscriptions.
• Lakkha Mandal Temple Prasasti: Edited by G. Bühler, this inscription provides a detailed genealogy of the Singhapura dynasty, possibly located in the Punjab, and records the dedication of a temple by a princess. Its palæographic analysis helps in dating inscriptions between 600 and 800 A.D.
• Twelfth Edict of Aśoka from Shāhbāzgarhi: Edited by G. Bühler, this is a crucial piece for Aśoka's rock-edicts, offering a new version and detailed palæographical discussion.
• Inscriptions from Khajuraho: Edited by F. Kielhorn, this includes a fragment potentially of Harshadeva, an inscription of Yasovarman dated Samvat 1011 (954-55 A.D.), and several inscriptions from Jaina temples from the same year. These provide vital information on the Chandella dynasty and the history of Khajuraho.
• The Siyāḍonī Stone Inscription: Edited by F. Kielhorn, this inscription is significant for its numerous dates from Samvat 960 to 1025 (approx. 903-968 A.D.) and its detailed record of private donations to various Brahmanical deities, offering insights into the administration of the Pratihāra period. It also provides significant data for the history of the Paramaras of Malva and their relationship with the contemporary kings of Kanauj.
• The Madhuban Copper-plate of Harsha: Edited by G. Bühler, this inscription is important for confirming and expanding the known genealogy of Harsha's family, including new names for his ancestors. It also provides insights into his religious affiliations (Vaishnava), military campaigns, and potential poetic talents.
• The Dewal or Illāhābās Prasasti of Lalla the Chhinda: Edited by G. Bühler, this inscription provides a genealogy of the Chhinda chiefs and records the construction of temples by Lalla and his wife Lakshmi, likely dating to the 10th century A.D.
• Other notable inscriptions include grants from the Pallava king, Rashtrakuta king Krishna II., Valabhi king Dhruvasena III., and inscriptions related to the Chandella kings Jajalladeva and Prithvideva, offering crucial data for the dynasties of Southern and Central India.

5. Linguistic and Paleographic Significance:

• The volume meticulously analyzes the scripts and languages of these inscriptions, discussing variations in letter forms, spelling conventions, and grammatical constructions.
• It highlights the transition and co-existence of Prakrit and Sanskrit in official and religious inscriptions, the use of vernacular influences, and the development of scripts like Nāgarī and the early forms of Śāradā.
• The presence of Professor H. Jacobi's paper on the "Computation of Hindu Dates in Inscriptions" underscores the publication's commitment to providing the tools for accurate chronological dating of these historical records.

6. Overall Impact:

• Epigraphia Indica, Volume I represents a monumental effort in epigraphy, establishing a reliable and authoritative platform for the dissemination of ancient Indian textual sources.
• It laid the groundwork for future epigraphic studies by setting high standards for scholarship, detailed analysis, and accurate presentation of these vital historical documents. The contributions from these eminent scholars made this volume a cornerstone for understanding India's past.

In essence, Epigraphia Indica, Volume I is a treasure trove for historians, archaeologists, linguists, and anyone interested in the deep history and culture of India. It showcases the rigorous academic work undertaken to decipher and interpret these ancient voices from stone and copper.