Rajasthan Ke Shilalekho Ka Vargikaran

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "राजस्थान के शिलालेखों का वर्गीकरण" (Classification of Inscriptions of Rajasthan) by Dr. Ramvallabh Somani, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Classification of Inscriptions of Rajasthan" by Dr. Ramvallabh Somani, emphasizes the immense importance of inscriptions as a source of historical material. Rajasthan has a large number of inscriptions dating back to the Maurya period. These inscriptions are broadly categorized as follows:

1. Memorial Inscriptions (स्मारक लेख): These are primarily erected to commemorate specific events. The text highlights the strong tradition in Rajasthan of considering death in battle as auspicious and leading to liberation. While numerous poems and songs exist in Rajasthani literature on this theme, inscriptions also provide valuable material. An example from Dungarpur (VS 1530) describes Ratiya Kaliya achieving martyrdom while defending the city against Sultan Ghiyasuddin Khilji's army. These memorial inscriptions can be further divided into:

   • Sati Inscriptions (सतियों के लेख): These are found in large numbers in Rajasthan, typically etched on a single stone slab, often featuring symbols of the sun and moon at the top. They depict the deceased husband and the sati wife, with the husband sometimes shown on horseback. Inscriptions up to the 13th century reveal specific attire and beards. They generally record the name and lineage of the deceased husband and mention the wife who became sati. Initially, the term "upagata" was used instead of "sati," with "sati" appearing later. These are also known as "Devali" (देवली). Inscriptions from North Rajasthan from the 16th century onwards often begin with a prayer to Ganesha and then detail the date according to astrological calculations.
     • The earliest known Sati inscription from Rajasthan is from Pushkar (VS 106), mentioned by H. H. Sharda, though its current whereabouts are unknown. Notable early Sati inscriptions are from Chhoti Khatu (VS 743, 745, 749), first studied by D. R. Bhandarkar. The VS 743 inscription mentions "Uvark Patni Gadhini Devi Upagata." A detailed inscription from Dholpur mentions the death and sati of Kandula, wife of Mahishram, son of Isuka. Sati inscriptions have also been found in Osian (VS 895), Ghatiyaala (VS 943, 947, 1042), and Kheedsar, Bikaner (VS 1020). Early Sati inscriptions merely record the death of the husband and wife. The Ghatiyaala inscription (VS 945) regarding the Pratihara Ranuk mentions separate dates for the husband's and wife's deaths, suggesting separate memorial structures. The inscription from Berasar, Bikaner (VS 1161) uses the term "Suhagu Rasan," indicating the wife's voluntary satihood. Three inscriptions from Ghadav, near Jodhpur (VS 1180), mention the death of Guril Vanshi Hurja and the sati of several women. A Mandor inscription (VS 1212) also records the sati of multiple women.
     • From the 13th century onwards, the act of "making Devali" (देवली बनाने) is mentioned. The Kechalladevi inscription (VS 1239) at Alwar refers to the installation of Kechalladevi's idol. Generally, inscriptions mention "kastārohan" (काष्टारोहण - ascending the pyre) along with the term "sati." The Kalasara inscription (VS 1328) describes the sati of Poonamde, wife of Sankhla Kamalsi. The Chhapar inscription (VS 1348) also contains similar mentions. The Bithka inscription (VS 1330) is significant, recording the death of Rao Siha, founder of the Rathore dynasty in Marwar, and the sati of his wife Solankini Parvati. Inscriptions from Jaisalmer, collected by Shri Agarchand Nahata, use the Bhattrika era. The Gadhsingh inscription (VS 1418 and Bhattrika VS 738) mentions the sati of his queens. From the 16th century onwards, the term "sati" is used, with an inscription from VS 1680 noting two sati instances upon the death of Maharawal Kalyanadas.
     • The term "Lohoti" (लोहटी) is also used for Devali. An inscription from Rawal Gadhsingh (VS 1418) mentions Lohoti (Devali) being consecrated by Maharawal Kesari. A Hueḍera village inscription (VS 1309) from Churu district mentions "sat chadhna." The Kumbhasar inscription (VS 1669) records a mother becoming sati with her son.
     • Devalis were often referred to using terms like "khaṇāvit" (खणावित - constructed) and for repairs, "udharit" (उधारित). Sometimes, pavilions (chhatri) and mandaps were built instead of Devalis. Inscriptions from Chadwas (VS 1650) mention the construction of chhatris and mandaps in memory of Shit Singh and Kumbhakarna. Often, women would become sati upon receiving news of their husband's death, even if he died abroad. An inscription from Machhind near Khamnor (VS 1683) records the sati of the queen of Bhim Sisodia, who died in Banaras, and the construction of a chhatri in their memory. Bhim Sisodia was the son of Maharana Amarsingh and died fighting against Khurram.
     • It was not mandatory for all queens to become sati; those with elder sons or who were pregnant often did not. Inscriptions also mention men dying with their mistresses, though such instances are rare. A rare inscription from Abu (VS 1565) mentions a city chief and his mistress.
     • These Sati inscriptions provide detailed insights into the social structure of the time, confirming the practice of polyandry among Rajputs and Vaishyas. Satis were highly revered, and their Devalis were worshipped.
   • Jhunjhar Inscriptions (झुंझार लेख): These inscriptions commemorate heroes who died in battle. The oldest known is from Khandela (3rd century BCE), mentioning the death of an individual. Inscriptions from Chalus (VS 1241) mention the death of Mohil Arad Kamal in the Nagpur war. The Revasa inscription (VS 1243) records the death of Chandel Nanana, son of Singhraj, in the Khalvana war. Inscriptions from Dungarpur (VS 1498 and 1530) mention heroes who died defending the fort. An inscription from Kareḍa Jain temple (VS 1392) mentions the construction of a "Gomatt" in memory of a war hero.
   • Goverdhan Inscriptions (गोवर्द्धन लेख): These inscriptions commemorate those who died defending cows, considered a noble and religious duty. Such inscriptions are found across India. In Western Rajasthan, dying in defense of cows was a specific event. These memorial pillars are called "Goverdhan" due to the depiction of Krishna holding the Goverdhan Hill. Initially, they were solely for those who died defending cows, but later their meaning expanded to include those who died fighting against external Muslim invaders. These are found in the northwestern frontier of Rajasthan and areas like Nagaur and Sambhar. The oldest known is from Lodhruva, Jaisalmer (VS 970). The inscription from Bithan, near Nagaur (VS 1002), mentions the construction of a Goverdhan. Two inscriptions from Pokaran, Jaisalmer (VS 1070 and undated), likely relate to the period of Sultan Mahmud Ghazni's invasions. The inscription from Palgaon, near Jodhpur (VS 1218, 1242), and Mandiyavas, Nagaur (VS 1244), are also notable. Bhatti era inscriptions from Jaisalmer (VS 685) mention sacrificing lives in defense of women and cows during Alauddin Khilji's invasion.
   • Other Memorial Inscriptions: These include simple "footprints" (चरणयुगल) with short inscriptions, known as "Pagaliya" (पगलिया). Memorials for Jain monks are also found, often with inscriptions.

2. Pillar Inscriptions (स्तम्भ लेख): Pillars are known by various names like "yashti," "yashṭi," "lashṭi," "laghketan," "yupa," etc. These are divided into:

   • Yagya Stupa Related Inscriptions (यज्ञस्तूप सम्बन्धी लेख): Many of these pillars were erected to commemorate Yakshas. The oldest inscription related to sacrifices is from Nagari (2nd century BCE), mentioning the "Ashwamedha" sacrifice. Another inscription mentions the "Vajapeya" sacrifice. Important Yupa inscriptions from Nandasa (VS 282) are related to the Malava tribe. Other inscriptions are from Nalasa (VS 284, 335) and Barva village, Kota (VS 295), mentioning generals of the Mausari dynasty. Inscriptions from Nichpuriya (Nagar) and Vijaygarh (VS 428) are also significant, mentioning sacrifices like Pundarik Yajna. The tradition of such inscriptions declined after this, with an exception being an inscription related to a sacrifice performed by Sawai Jai Singh.
   • Kirti Stambha (Victory Pillar) and Other Pillar Inscriptions (कीर्तिस्तम्भके लेख और अन्यस्तम्भ लेख): The Ghatiyaala inscription (VS 918) of Pratihara King Kakka is considered the oldest and most remarkable, praising him and mentioning his honor from various regions. He erected two Kirti Stambhas, one in Mandor and another in Ghatiyaala. Several inscriptions related to Jain Kirti Stambhas from Chittor (13th century) are found. A Kirti Stambha in Kodamdesar (Bikaner) mentions the death of Aradkamal. An inscription near Phalodi (VS 1515) mentions the construction of a Kirti Stambha by Dhandhal Rathors in memory of Pabuji. The famous Chittor Kirti Stambha inscription, spread over several stones, details events during Maharana Kumbha's reign. A Kirti Stambha near Raniksar (VS 1589) is also noted. Inscriptions outside Jain temples are also called "Manastambha" (मानस्तम्भ), and "Pattavali Stambhas" documenting various monastic lineages are also found. Other pillar inscriptions include the Harsh VS 84 inscription from Kot village, Bharatpur, mentioning the death of Brahmin Lohaditya defending cows.

3. Prashastis (प्रशस्तियाँ): These are considered the most important among inscriptions, often containing both laudatory and historical facts. Numerous Prashastis have been found in Rajasthan. Notable ones include the Gangdhar inscription (VS 480), the Mandasaur inscription (VS 493), the Chhoti Sadri inscription (VS 547) mentioning the Gauri rulers, the Khandela inscription (Harsh VS 201) mentioning the Dhusar dynasty, the Basantgarh inscription (VS 682) describing the feudatory Bajrabhatta Satyashraya, and many others like those from Kusuma, Samoli, Nagda, Nagar, Jhalrapatan, Manmori, Kansuva, Shergarh, Dholpur, Ahad, Rajaurgarh, Eklingji, Harsha Parvat, Bijapur, Abu, Dhagsa, Chikha, Ranakpur, and Kumbhalgarh. These Prashastis often resolve historical mysteries and describe dynastic lineages, conquests, battles, and construction works. Early Prashastis typically begin with invocations to deities, followed by dynastic accounts, then details of the monument or work, and finally the composer and date. Some Prashastis also include geographical descriptions.

4. Copper Plate Grants (ताम्रपत्र): These are very important and meticulously prepared. Their format differs significantly from Prashastis. They begin with "Swasti," followed by the date, the king's name, the recipient, and detailed descriptions of the donated land, including its boundaries and adjacent properties. They also mention land revenue and sometimes land measurements. They often include verses about the eternal nature of the grant and curses for those who violate it. The name of the "dutaka" (messenger) is also mentioned. The Eklingji temple inscription of Maharana Bhim Singh, about 4 feet long, is an exception, compiling various grants. Kings typically made grants on auspicious occasions like solstices, eclipses, or events like birth of a son or coronation. The authenticity of some grants from Maharana Raymal's time is questioned, and some were made due to the loss of original grants. The role of the "Akshapāṭtalika" (अक्ष पट्टलिक) or record keeper is mentioned.

5. Surahlekh (सुरहलेख - Official Orders/Grants): These are a type of official order. Examples are found in Tokara (Abu) (VS 1312, 1332), Bajanalwala, Chandravati (VS 1228), and Girwar (VS 1287). Visaldev's grant (VS 1352) near Chatre and Maharawal Kumbha's grants in Abu are mentioned. Inscriptions from the time of Maharana Jagat Singh (I & II) and Banbir (VS 1393-1396) are significant, as are those from Eklingji temple under Maharana Bhim Singh and Sajjan Singh. Inscriptions from Udaipur city during Maharana Arisingh's reign, and from Bhinmal and Mandor, provide substantial information about the administrative system, local officials, and taxes. Inscriptions from Chittor and Udaipur also describe Maratha invasions.

6. Religious Inscriptions (धार्मिक लेख): These often relate to the management of temples. Committees (Goshthis) were responsible for temple management, as evidenced by inscriptions from the 7th century onwards. Many inscriptions are also in the form of donations for religious institutions, where local taxes were collected and given to temples. Emperor Ashoka's inscriptions at Bairath mention religious decrees and scriptures.

7. Idol Inscriptions (मूर्ति लेख): These primarily include Jain inscriptions. Thousands of such inscriptions have been found in Rajasthan. These often mention the Arhat, the era, the local king (though not always), the donor (Shreshthi), their village, ancestors, the idol, and the Jain Acharya who performed the consecration. The sculptor's name is sometimes included. These inscriptions often use colloquial language and shed light on contemporary names, social practices like polyandry, and the study of Jain sects and lineages. Inscriptions on bronze statues date back to the 7th-8th centuries, while stone inscriptions are more common from the 10th century onwards. The period after the 10th century saw significant contributions from Jain Shreshthis, leading to the flourishing of Jainism. These inscriptions also record the re-consecration of idols.

8. Other Inscriptions (अन्य लेख): These include inscriptions related to wells, stepwells (baoli), and tanks. Inscriptions from Pratihara period stepwells in Osian and Mandor are mentioned, including a 7th-century inscription from Mandor stepwell (VS 742). The Nagar inscription (VS 741) credits skilled artisans from Bhinmal for building a stepwell. The Chittor inscription (VS 770) mentions the construction of Mansarovar. Inscriptions related to the construction of stepwells, tanks, and kunds are numerous from the medieval period, found at places like Bijolia and Jahazpur. The inscription from Maldeva's time details the expenses and materials used for constructing a stepwell.

The book provides a systematic classification of the vast epigraphic wealth of Rajasthan, offering valuable insights into its history, society, religion, and administration.