Epigraphia Indica Vol 10

This is a comprehensive summary of the content of Epigraphia Indica, Volume X (1909-10), focusing on its Jain content, based on the provided text.

Epigraphia Indica, Volume X (1909-10)

Published by the Archaeological Survey of India, this volume is a significant collection of inscriptions, including those relevant to Jainism. The volume was edited by Professor Sten Konow for parts I, II, VI, and VII, and by Rai Bahadur V. Venkayya for parts III, IV, V, and VIII.

Jain Content Summary:

The Jain content within this volume is primarily found in the following sections:

• No. 3. Bijapur inscription of Dhavala of Hastikundi; Vikram-Samvat 1053 (Page 30-38):

  • This inscription, edited by Pandit Ram Karna, details the history of the Jina religion and the Tirthamkaras, likely Rishabhanatha.
  • It mentions a royal family, though their name is lost.
  • Key figures mentioned include Prince Harivarman and his wife Ruchi, from whom sprang Vidagdha, described as a Kshatriyakuta.
  • Vásudeva is identified as the preceptor of Vidagdharaja.
  • The inscription describes the erection of a temple dedicated to Jina in Hastikundi.
  • Vidagdha had himself weighed against gold, with portions allocated to the god and the Jaina preceptor.
  • The lineage continues with Mammata and Dhavala.
  • Dhavala is noted for sheltering armies of a king whose name is lost and the lord of the Gurjaras during the destruction of Aghata by Muñjaraja.
  • Dhavala also provided protection to Mahendra against Durlabharaja, and supported Dharanivara, whose power was exterminated by Mularaaja I.
  • Dhavala renounced the world and placed his son Balaprasada on the throne.
  • The capital of Balaprasada was Hastikundi.
  • The inscription details the renovation of the temple of Rishabhanatha by the goshthi of Hastikundi.
  • The prasasti was composed by Suryacharya.
  • The inscription provides detailed information about endowments made in favor of the Jaina temple and its preceptor, including various taxes and dues from trade and economic activities.
  • The second part of the inscription specifies these endowments in detail, covering items like rupees per load, per cart, per oil mill, betel leaves, contributions from gamblers, grains from wells, and various other commodities.

• No. 4. Kuruspal stone inscription of Somesvaradeva; Saka-Samvat 1019 (Page 38-44):

  • Edited by Rai Bahadur Hira Lal, this inscription, though damaged, provides some important information.
  • It records a grant by King Somesvaradeva of a village, whose name is unidentifiable.
  • The boundaries of the village are mentioned, including the Indranadi to the south, Aranga to the east, and Kapalika to the west.
  • The king belonged to the Nagavamśa and Kasyapa götra, with a tiger crest and snake banner.
  • He acquired sovereignty of Chakrakūța through the favor of the goddess Vindhyavasini.
  • Somēśvara was the son of Dhārāvarsha, and grandson Kanharadēva.
  • The inscription mentions contemporary kings by their territories or capitals, including Udra, Lanji, Ratnapura, Lempna, Vēngi, Bhadrapattana, and Vajra.
  • Somēśvara boasts of killing the king Madhurantaka in battle and provoking other kings.
  • He is credited with burning Vengi and subjugating Bhadrapattana and Vajra.
  • He claims to have taken 6 lakhs and 96 villages of the Kosala country.
  • The inscription mentions the village Aranga and Kapalika, and identifies Indranadi with the present Indravati.
  • The identification of Vajra with Wairagarh is strongly supported by the reference to a diamond mine and the phrase "diamond piercer" for its conqueror.

• No. 5. Two Kuruspal inscriptions of Dharana-Mahadevi of the time of Somesvaradeva; Saka-Samvat (Page 44-48):

  • Edited by Rai Bahadur Hira Lal, these inscriptions mention the grant of land near Kalamba.
  • The gift was made by Queen Dharana-Mahadevi, who was apparently the consort of Somesvaradeva.
  • Dharana-Mahadevi is also mentioned in the Narayanpal inscription, possibly as a transferer of land granted by Ghunda-Mahadevi.
  • The tank slab mentions tenants from Narayanapura and Temara.
  • The inscriptions are considered older than the Narayanpal record of Saka 1033.
  • They state they were issued during the reign of Maharajadhiraja Somesvaradeva.
  • The tank slab mentions the samvatsara as Saumya, which prior to S. 1033 fell in S. 991, suggesting an issue year around 1069 A.D.
  • Somēśvara is stated to be born of the Naga race and bears all the birudas as in the Narayanpal inscription.
  • The inscriptions provide no new historical information but are useful for fixing the reign periods of the Bastar branch of Sinda kings.

• No. 23. New Brahmi inscriptions of the Scythian Period (Page 106-121):

  • This extensive section, edited by R. D. Banerji, focuses on Brahmi inscriptions from the Scythian period, primarily from Mathura and Ramnagar (Ahichchhatra).
  • It includes inscriptions found in the Lucknow Museum, many of which are new discoveries.
  • The sculptures associated with these inscriptions generally belong to the Scythian period.
  • No. I (Page 107-108): An inscription on a coping stone, possibly from Ramnagar, using Kshatrapa characters, which are older than Early Kushana characters. It is dated in the first year of a king's reign whose name is lost.
  • No. II (Page 110-111): An inscription on the base of a Bodhisattva image, identified as being from Mathura, in early Kushana characters. It mentions the king's name which is lost.
  • No. III (Page 111-115): An inscribed Jaina image dated in the year 9 of the Kushana era, likely from Mathura, and attributed to the reign of Kanishka. It records the erection of the image by a female named Gahapala.
  • No. IV (Page 115-118): An inscribed Jaina image from Mathura, dated in the year 12 of the Kushana era, likely from Mathura and possibly related to Kanishka. It mentions the king's name, possibly Huvakshasya.
  • No. V (Page 118-120): An inscribed image of Sambhavanatha, the third Jina, dated in the year 48 of the Laukika era, found in Mathura.
  • No. VI (Page 120-121): An inscription on a fragmented pavement slab from Mathura, which mentions the term "sūtradhāra."
  • No. VII (Page 121-122): An inscription on a large slab of red sandstone, found in a heap of rubbish.
  • No. VIII (Page 122-123): An inscription on a tablet of homage from Mathura.
  • No. IX (Page 123-125): An inscribed Chaturmukha from Ramnagar, dated in the 74th year, likely of the Kushana era.
  • No. X (Page 125-126): An inscribed image from Mathura, dated in the year 80.
  • No. XI (Page 126-127): An inscribed image from Mathura, dated in the year 99.
  • No. XII (Page 127-128): An inscription on a coping stone from Mathura.
  • No. XIII (Page 128-129): An inscription on a large slab of red sandstone from Mathura.
  • No. XIV (Page 129-130): An inscription on a fragment of a pavement slab from Mathura.
  • No. XV (Page 130-131): A fragment from the lower part of an image from Ramnagar, the year 74.
  • No. XVI (Page 131-132): A fragment from the lower part of an image from Ramnagar.
  • No. XVII (Page 132-133): A fragment of a tablet of homage from an unknown findspot.
  • No. XVIII (Page 133-134): An inscription on a tablet of homage from Mathura.
  • No. XIX (Page 134-135): A fragment of a pedestal.
  • No. XX (Page 135-136): An inscription on a triangular fragment.
  • No. XXI (Page 136-142): An inscription on a pedestal.

General Observations on the Volume:

• The volume is a significant contribution to Indian epigraphy, presenting a wide range of inscriptions from various periods and regions.
• The detailed textual analysis, transliteration, and translation by the editors and contributors are invaluable for scholarly research.
• The inclusion of plates, often based on excellent inked estampages, aids in the study of paleography and the evolution of scripts.
• The volume acknowledges contributions and corrections, indicating a collaborative effort in the field of epigraphy.
• The "Additions and Corrections" section at the beginning highlights the ongoing nature of research and the refinement of readings and interpretations.
• The Appendix, "A List of Brahmi Inscriptions from the Earliest Times to about A.D. 400. With the Exception of those of Aśoka," compiled by Professor H. Lüders, is a crucial resource for understanding the early development of Brahmi script and its use in documenting various aspects of ancient Indian life, including religious endowments and royal decrees.

In summary, Epigraphia Indica, Volume X serves as a vital repository of historical and linguistic information, with its Jain-related content providing insights into the spread and patronage of Jainism in ancient India.