Hathigumpha Inscription Of Kharavela And Bhabru Edict Of Asoka

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "The Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela and The Bhabru Edict of Asoka" by Shashi Kant, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

This book, a second revised edition of Shashi Kant's study, offers a critical examination of two pivotal inscriptions in ancient Indian history: the Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela and the Bhabru Edict of Ashoka. The author highlights their immense historical significance, particularly for understanding the "dark period" between the Mauryan and Gupta empires, and for the history of Jainism and Buddhism, respectively. The study aims to provide a fresh interpretation of these inscriptions, considering their historical context, the nuances of Jain and Buddhist traditions, and corroborating them with recent archaeological findings.

The Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela:

• Historical Significance: Discovered in 1825, this inscription is described as an "epitome of history," providing a chronological account of events and unveiling the political and cultural conditions of India during the three centuries before Christ. It is the primary source of information about its author, Kharavela, the first historical king from India's eastern coast to lead extensive campaigns. The inscription is seen as historically potent and comparable to Kalhana's Rajatarangini in the realm of epigraphy.
• Content and Style: The inscription is a Prajñāpana Lekha (Public Notification) detailing the principal events of Kharavela's life and reign. It is lauded for its historical consciousness, proper arrangement (arthakrama), relevancy (sambandha), completeness (paripūrṇatā), sweetness (mādhuryam), dignity (audāryam), and lucidity (spastatvam).
• Decipherment and Site: The book details the long and complex history of the inscription's decipherment, noting the contributions of scholars like Stirling, Prinsep, Cunningham, and Raja Rajendra Lala Mitra, up to its first reliable version by Bhagwan Lal Indraji. It describes the inscription's location on the Udayagiri hill in Orissa, engraved on a natural cavern known as the "Big Elephant Cave" (Badā Hāthīgumphā). The inscription itself, in seventeen lines, covers a significant area but has suffered considerable damage from natural decay and weathering, posing challenges for epigraphists.
• Textual Analysis and Translation: The book provides a detailed transliteration and translation of the inscription, including proposed restorations for the damaged portions. It delves into the interpretation of specific words and phrases, debating different scholarly readings.
• Kharavela's Life and Reign: The study reconstructs Kharavela's personal history, highlighting his lineage as the third generation in the Kalinga royal family. It discusses his education, administrative training as Yuvaraja, and his coronation at the age of 24. The book details his campaigns, including expeditions westward to the Asika capital, south to Pithunda and the Tamil Confederacy, north into Magadha, and against the Pandya king. His religious affiliations are identified as Jainism, supported by the opening hymn and the use of the Mahavira Era for dating. He is described as a tolerant ruler, worshipping all sects and embellishing all temples.
• Socio-Political Conditions: The inscription provides evidence for educational practices, the four-fold army division, the maintenance of a navy, royal insignia, public welfare projects (like irrigation canals), festivals, fairs, the practice of polygamy, and political alliances.
• Jainism and Kharavela: The inscription is presented as a crucial confirmation of Jain traditions. It begins with the Pañca-Namaskāra hymn, provides an early explanation of Arahamta, and corroborates the concept of the four-fold Jain congregation (monks, nuns, male lay devotees, female lay devotees). It also mentions the duality of soul (jiva) and matter (deha) and the qualities of Jain monks (Śramana). The book suggests Kharavela convened a council in his 13th regnal year (c. 172 BC) to consolidate canonical knowledge and potentially avert schism, though this event is not explicitly mentioned in later Jain literature. The archaeological findings at Udayagiri are linked to the inscription's description of religious structures.

The Bhabru Edict of Ashoka:

• Historical Significance: Considered as important for Buddhist history as the Hathigumpha Inscription is for Jainism, this edict is the earliest written record of Buddhist scripture and monastic organization. It provides insights into Ashoka's personal faith and his relationship with the Buddhist Samgha.
• Discovery and Content: Discovered in 1840 in Rajasthan, the edict is well-preserved and addressed to the Samgha. It reveals Ashoka's deep reverence for the Buddha, Dharma, and Samgha, and his desire for the longevity of the Saddharma (true Dharma). He specifies several passages of Buddhist scripture that he wishes monks, nuns, and lay followers to repeatedly listen to and meditate upon.
• Identification of Scripture: The book discusses the scholarly efforts to identify the mentioned Buddhist passages, including Vinayasamukase, Aliyavasani, Anāgatabhayāni, Munigāthā, Moneyasūte, Upatisapasine, and Lāghulovāde. It explores various interpretations, particularly of Vinayasamukase, and suggests it likely refers to the First Sermon (Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta).
• Buddhism and Ashoka: The edict is interpreted as evidence of Ashoka's diligent Buddhist practice and his role as a mentor to the Samgha. The author suggests the edict, along with the Schism Edicts, was issued around Ashoka's 26th regnal year, reflecting his attempts to address schismatic tendencies within Buddhism through both education and punitive measures. Ashoka's self-designation as "King of Magadha" in this edict is discussed in relation to his administrative divisions and possible familial address to the Samgha.

Prakrit Languages and Brāhmi Script:

• Genesis of Prakrit Languages: This section traces the development of Prakrit languages, contrasting them with Sanskrit and highlighting the spoken language of the masses. It discusses the influence of various dialects and the evolution of literary norms.
• Tradition of Writing and Scripts: The book examines the ancient Indian tradition of writing, starting from the Indus Valley script. It details the development and spread of the Brāhmi and Kharosti scripts, their decipherment, and their use in Ashoka's edicts. The author also touches upon the mythological origins attributed to these scripts.

Chronology and Additional Notes:

• The book includes a detailed chronology of events related to both inscriptions and the broader ancient Indian historical context, including the lives of Buddha and Mahavira, the Mauryan and Sātavāhana dynasties, and significant political events.
• Appendix III, "Additional Notes," addresses specific controversies and scholarly debates surrounding the interpretation of certain terms, the dating of key events, and the historicity of various traditions.

Overall Contribution:

Shashi Kant's study is lauded by scholars (as indicated in the "Critique" section) for its penetrating analysis, careful text editions, sound translations, and illuminating remarks. It is considered a valuable contribution to Indological studies, providing fresh interpretations, demolishing myths, and offering convincing theories supported by archaeological evidence. The book serves as a crucial resource for scholars of ancient Indian history, epigraphy, archaeology, and Buddhist and Jain studies.