Gujaratna Aetihasik Lekho Bhag 03

The book "Gujaratna Aetihasik Lekho Bhag 03" (Historical Inscriptions of Gujarat, Part 3) by Girjashankar Vallabhji Acharya, published by The Forbes Gujarati Sabha, is a compilation of historical inscriptions from ancient times up to the end of the Vaghela dynasty. This particular volume, part 3, contains 113 inscriptions. The entire collection, spanning three volumes, aims to provide a comprehensive resource for scholars and researchers of Gujarat's history.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the provided text, focusing on the historical and academic value of the book:

1. Purpose and Scope:

• The book serves as a repository of historical inscriptions found in Gujarat, covering a vast period from ancient times until the fall of the Vaghela dynasty.
• The editor, Girj8ashankar Vallabhji Acharya, a retired Curator of the Archaeological Section at the Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay, compiled and edited these inscriptions.
• The collection aims to be a foundational resource for understanding the political, social, economic, and religious history of Gujarat through epigraphic evidence.

2. Structure of the Collection:

• This volume (Part 3) contains 113 inscriptions, adding to the 107 in Part 1 and 98 in Part 2, bringing the total to 318 inscriptions.
• The inscriptions are cataloged by dynasty, including: Kshatrapas (12), Trikuta (2), Gupta (1), Vallabhi (95), Chalukyas (Western) (6), Gurjar (12), Rashtrakuta (21), Chalukya (Solanki) (93), Vaghela (30), and miscellaneous (45).
• The third volume also includes about 60 supplementary inscriptions from outside Gujarat that are relevant to Gujarat's history, added based on advice from friends.

3. Editorial Approach and Challenges:

• The editor acknowledges that such a collection can never be truly complete, as new inscriptions are constantly being discovered. He requests future researchers to build upon this work rather than pointing out its deficiencies.
• Challenges in Interpretation: The inscriptions present various difficulties for historians, including:
  • Many kings sharing the same names within dynasties.
  • Inconsistent use of various eras (Samvat years).
  • Exaggerated praise for donors in lineage descriptions.
  • Ambiguity in geographical locations and place name variations.
  • Uncertainty regarding technical terms for measurements, weights, land areas, and currency.
  • Confusion caused by inscriptions written by unschooled individuals, leading to errors in familial relationships (e.g., using "elder brother" and "younger brother" incorrectly).
  • Inscriptions being found in fragmented or damaged conditions.
• The editor highlights that despite these challenges, the collected material has enabled the establishment of genealogies for some dynasties, though gaps and uncertainties remain, particularly for the Rashtrakuta dynasty where even renowned scholars like Dr. Altekar and Dr. Bhattacharya have had to rely on assumptions.

4. Key Insights from the Inscriptions:

• Dating and Chronology: The inscriptions use various eras, including:
  • Shaka Samvat (starting AD 78), used by Kshatrapas, Ishvaradatta (in his reign), and Rashtrakutas.
  • Chedi or Kalachuri Samvat (starting AD 249), used by Trikuta and Gurjar kings.
  • Gupta-Vallabhi Samvat (starting AD 319-20), used by Vallabhi kings.
  • Simha Samvat (starting AD 1113), confirmed by inscription #158 which uses Vikram Samvat, Hijri, Vallabhi Samvat, and Simha Samvat concurrently.
  • Vikram Samvat (starting 56 BC), used in later Solanki and subsequent inscriptions.
• Content of Datre Dattapatras (Land Grants): Generally, these inscriptions contain:
  • The place from which the grant was issued (often capital cities, but sometimes from camps or pilgrimage sites).
  • Invocation of a deity, providing information about the donor's religious affiliation.
  • Detailed genealogical accounts of the donor dynasty, including praise for each king and accounts of their military exploits, often mentioning campaigns against other kingdoms.
  • Information about the recipient (name, lineage, gotra, Vedic tradition, original residence, current residence).
  • Details of the grant itself: village or land area, boundaries, funds allocated for maintenance, income for temples or monasteries.
  • Names of officials involved in the process, including the scribe and messenger.
  • The date of the grant, often including the current Samvat year, month, paksha, tithi, and day. Some grants mention multiple Samvat years.
  • A curse or blessing for those who uphold or violate the grant, often quoting from texts like the Mahabharata.

5. Specific Dynastic Information and Examples: The book meticulously analyzes inscriptions related to various dynasties, providing details about their rulers, their accomplishments, and the challenges in deciphering their inscriptions. Examples include:

• Mauryan Dynasty: Mention of Ashoka's inscriptions found in Gujarat.
• Kshatrapa Dynasty: Discussion on coins and the challenges in reconstructing their genealogy due to fragmented inscriptions.
• Trikuta Dynasty: Only two inscriptions are mentioned, focusing on their kings' coins.
• Vallabhi Dynasty: A significant section detailing their 95 land grant inscriptions, covering the period from AD 502 to 766. It highlights their patronage of Buddhism but also their donations to other religious sects, indicating religious tolerance.
• Western Chalukyas: Six inscriptions relevant to Gujarat's history, dating from AD 640 to 739, are discussed.
• Gurjara Dynasty: Twelve land grants are collected, noting the use of Chedi/Kalachuri Samvat and the capital being Bharuch. It also delves into deciphering the lineage of rulers like Dad 1st, Jayabhat 1st, Dad 2nd, and Jayabhat 2nd.
• Rashtrakuta Dynasty: Twenty-one inscriptions are included, covering both the main and Gujarat branches. The text discusses the complexities in identifying kings with similar names and titles, particularly within the Gujarat branch. It highlights the detailed nature of these inscriptions.
• Chalukya (Solanki) Dynasty: A substantial 93 inscriptions are presented, with 69 in Volume 2 and 24 in Volume 3. The work of Keshavlal Dhruv in cataloging Kshatrapa coins is acknowledged. The volume includes details on kings like Bhimdev 2nd, Karna, Jayasingh Siddharaj, and Kumarpal, noting the poetic descriptions found in later inscriptions.
• Vaghela Dynasty: Twenty-one inscriptions are included, many related to Jain temples. The inscriptions provide insights into kings like Vishaldev and Arjunadev.
• Miscellaneous Inscriptions: These include inscriptions from various regional officials and feudatories, providing a broader picture of the historical landscape.

6. Focus on Jain Patronage: The text frequently mentions the patronage of Jainism, particularly during the Chalukya and later periods. The contributions of ministers like Vastupal and Tejpal, who were significant patrons of Jain art and architecture, are highlighted through their inscriptions found in places like Abu and Girnar.

7. Indices and Appendices: The book concludes with three indices: one for geographical names, one for personal names, and one for technical terms. This structure is intended to enhance the utility of the collection for researchers.

In essence, "Gujaratna Aetihasik Lekho Bhag 03" is a scholarly work that meticulously compiles, edits, and presents historical inscriptions from Gujarat. It provides critical insights into the region's past, acknowledging the challenges of epigraphy while offering a valuable resource for understanding the historical narrative of Gujarat through its ancient texts. The inclusion of detailed family trees and discussions on dating and interpretation demonstrate the depth of research involved.