Sanskrit Inscription Found in POK

• 04 Jan 2025

Source: TOI 

Why in News? 

Recently, a 4^th century CE Sanskrit inscription was found near Gilgit in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), written in Brahmi script. 

• The inscription found in Gilgit mentions "Pushpasingha" installing a Mahesvaralinga for the merit of his guru (name partially lost). 

Note 

• Earlier in 2024, a 10^th-century CE Sanskrit and Sharada script (used in Kashmir for Sanskrit and Kashmiri) inscription was discovered near Peshawar, referencing Buddhist Dharini chants with the mention of "Da(Dha)rini" in line six. 
  • Buddhist Dharini refers to sacred mantras or chants used in Buddhism for protection, purification, and invoking blessings.  
  • These chants are believed to have spiritual power and are often recited in rituals to promote well-being. Dharinis typically contain sacred syllables or phrases. 

What is the Importance of Historical Inscriptions? 

• Primary Historical Sources: Inscriptions are authentic and direct sources for reconstructing ancient Indian history, offering evidence free from later interpolations and biases. 
  • Dates and events inscribed help in establishing accurate historical timelines. 
• Insight into Political History: They provide valuable details about rulers, dynasties, conquests, treaties, and administration in ancient India. 
• Administrative Systems: Inscriptions often include information about revenue systems, land grants, taxation, and judicial frameworks. 
  • For example, the Junagarh (Girnar) Inscription of Rudradaman describes the construction and repairs of the Sudarshana Lake dam, providing evidence of administrative priorities in water management. 
• Linguistic Evolution: Inscriptions document the development of languages, scripts, and literary styles. 
  • The Ashokan Edicts, inscribed in Prakrit, Greek, and Aramaic, highlight the linguistic diversity and the use of local scripts to communicate governance effectively. 
• Socio-Economic Structures: Insights into trade practices, societal norms, caste systems, and economic transactions are often gleaned from inscriptions. 
  • Inscriptions reveal details about ancient religions, temple construction, rituals, and royal patronage. 

Some Important Inscriptions of Ancient India

Some Important Inscriptions of Ancient India 

• Political Inscriptions: 
  • Junagarh (Girnar) Inscription (Rudradaman): A 2^nd-century CE Sanskrit inscription detailing Rudradaman’s achievements and mentioning the construction of the Sudarshana Lake dam by Chandragupta Maurya’s governor, Pushyagupta. 
  • Bhitari Pillar Inscription: Chronicles Skandagupta’s military success against the Hunas and his administrative reforms. 
• Administrative and Land Grant Inscriptions 
  • Paharpur Inscription (Buddha Gupta): Found in Bangladesh, it highlights land grants and religious patronage during the Gupta period. 
  • Mandsaur Inscription : Details Yashodharman’s victory over the Huns, emphasizing his role in restoring stability in the region. 
  • Gwalior Inscription (King Bhoja I): Describes grants to Brahmins and mentions Agraharas, reflecting socio-economic practices under the Gurjara-Pratiharas. 
  • Banskhera Copper Plate: Signed by Harshavardhana, it provides details about his ancestry, administration, and governance. 
  • Deopara Prashasti: Celebrates the achievements of Bengal’s Vijay Sena, providing insights into the socio-political scenario of the time. 

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims: 

Q. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? (2020)

“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.” 

(a) Ashoka 

(b) Samudragupta 

(c) Harshavardhana 

(d) Krishanadeva Raya 

Ans: (a) 

Q. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? (2019)

(a) Kanganahalli 

(b) Sanchi 

(c) Shahbazgarhi 

(d) Sohgaura 

Ans: (a) 

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Mains: 

Q. Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.(2013)