Epigraphia Indica Vol 02

Comprehensive Summary of Epigraphia Indica, Vol. II (1894)

This volume of Epigraphia Indica, edited by Jas. Burgess and published by the Archaeological Survey of India, is a comprehensive collection of inscriptions from various parts of India, primarily focusing on historical and cultural records. The volume contains a wide array of inscriptions, including copper-plate grants, stone inscriptions, and pillar edicts, attributed to various dynasties and covering a significant period of Indian history. The inscriptions are presented in their original script (mostly Nagari and various forms of Brahmi), transliterated into Roman characters, and accompanied by detailed English translations and scholarly annotations.

Here's a summary of the key themes and significant inscriptions covered in Volume II:

1. Dynastic Histories and Political Geography:

• Chedi/Kalachuri Dynasty: A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to inscriptions related to the Chedi rulers, particularly from Jabalpur, Bhera-Ghat, and Tewar. These inscriptions shed light on the reigns of kings like Yasahkarnadeva, Alhañadevi, and Jayasimhadeva, detailing their genealogies, military campaigns, and administrative decisions, including land grants. The dating of these inscriptions, often referencing the Chedi era, is meticulously discussed.
• Paramara Rulers of Malava: The Nagpur stone inscription provides a detailed genealogy and glorification of the Paramara rulers from Vairisimha II to Lakshmadeva, with particular emphasis on Lakshmadeva's military achievements and the founder of the family, the sage Vasishtha. It also touches upon their conflicts with neighboring dynasties like the Chedis and Tomaras.
• Gurjara Rulers of Bharoch: Three land grants from Sankheda offer insights into the Gurjara dynasty, dating from Samvat 346 and 391, and a grant of Santilla, a general, which provides clues about the early Chalukya and possibly Kalachuri connections.
• Chahamanas: The Harsha stone inscription details the lineage of the Chahamana rulers, including Gavaka I, Chandraraja, Guvaka II, Chandana, Vakpatiraja, Simharaja, and the ruling king Vigraharaja, along with their conflicts with the Tomaras and other local chiefs.
• Yadava Dynasty of Devagiri: The Sangamner copper-plate inscription of Bhillama II is a crucial early record for this dynasty, providing a detailed genealogy and mentioning contemporary rulers like the Chalukya Tailapa and the Rashtrakuta Krishna III. It also discusses the historical context of Bhillama's reign and his relations with these powers.
• Pala Dynasty of Bengal: The Badal Pillar inscription is a significant text that not only glorifies the poet Gangadhara and his ancestors but also provides the names of four Pala kings: Garga, Dharmapala, Devapala, and Narayanapala. It offers insights into the administrative structure with mentions of ministers and officials.
• Other Dynasties: The volume also includes inscriptions related to the Kachchhapaghata dynasty (Dubkund stone inscription of Vikramasimha), and various local rulers in Northern Gujarat, providing glimpses into the political landscape of those regions.

2. Religious and Cultural Practices:

• Buddhism: A substantial part of the volume is dedicated to the votive inscriptions from the Sanchi Stupas (Nos. I and II). These provide a wealth of information on the religious practices of the time, including donations by monks, nuns, and lay individuals. The discussion on the characters and language of these inscriptions, particularly their early dating and connection to Asoka's reign, is a key contribution. The volume also features the Bhattiprolu Buddhist inscriptions, which are significant for their early date and unique script, possibly predating Asoka. The detailed account of the relics found within the caskets is also noteworthy.
• Jainism: Several inscriptions from Mathura, particularly those found at Kankali Tila, are presented, offering crucial information on the history of Jainism. These inscriptions detail the lives and religious activities of Jaina monks and nuns, mention various Jaina schools (gachchhas) like the Kharatara, Tapas, Anchala, and Sagara gachchhas, and record donations made to Jaina temples and images. The inscriptions also provide details about Jaina lay communities like the Osvals and Srimalis. The Satrumjaya inscriptions further enrich our understanding of Jaina monastic traditions and pilgrimage practices.
• Saivism and Vaishnavism: While Buddhism and Jainism feature prominently, some inscriptions also allude to the worship of Siva (e.g., in the Harsha stone inscription and the Benares copper-plate grant) and Vishnu (e.g., in the Karitalai stone inscription). The names of donors and rulers often reflect the prevailing religious sentiments of the time.
• Iconography: The section on Jaina sculptures from Mathura is particularly valuable, offering detailed descriptions and interpretations of various figures, including Jinas, Dharmachakras, Trisulas, and the deity Naigamesha. The discussion on the iconography of Naigamesha, its possible connections to Brahmanical and Buddhist traditions, and the interpretation of the scenes depicted on the sculptures are significant contributions.

3. Paleography and Linguistics:

• The volume extensively discusses the scripts used in the inscriptions, particularly the Nagari and various forms of the Brahmi script. The analysis of these scripts helps in dating the inscriptions and understanding the evolution of Indian writing systems.
• The language of the inscriptions is primarily Sanskrit, but also includes significant portions in Prakrit, particularly those related to Buddhism. The scholarly annotations provide detailed explanations of grammatical peculiarities, archaic terms, and linguistic shifts observed in these ancient texts.

4. Historical Reconstruction:

• The inscriptions collectively contribute to a richer understanding of the political history of India during various periods, from the Mauryan era (through the Sanchi inscriptions) to the medieval period with the Chedi, Paramara, and Yadava dynasties, and the early Sultanate period in North India.
• The Muhammadan inscriptions from Delhi and Bengal provide valuable information on the rulers, administrative structures, and architectural patronage during these periods, offering specific details about the reigns of emperors like Muhammad bin Tughluq, Firoz Shah, Ibrahim Shah, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shahjahan, as well as local governors and nobles.

5. Editorial and Scholarly Contributions:

• The volume showcases the meticulous work of editor Jas. Burgess and contributors like F. Kielhorn, G. Bühler, J. F. Fleet, A. Führer, and Paul Horn. Their expertise in deciphering, translating, and annotating these ancient texts is evident throughout the volume.
• The inclusion of facsimiles and illustrations significantly aids in the study and verification of the transcribed texts.

In essence, Epigraphia Indica, Vol. II, serves as a foundational resource for scholars and researchers interested in the political, religious, social, and artistic history of ancient and medieval India, presenting a meticulously curated collection of primary source materials. The volume's strength lies in its detailed epigraphic analysis, contributing significantly to the field of Indian historical studies.