Barli Inscription Explained

Barli Inscription
Material:	Stone
Size:	13x10 inches
Writing:	Prakrit language, Brahmi script
Period:	443, 374-373 or 1st century BCE
Place:	Ajmer district, Rajasthan
Discovered Coords:	26.3134°N 72.931°W
Location:	Rājputānā Government Museum, Ajmer
Discovered By:	G. H. Ojha

The Barli Inscription (obtained from a Bhinaika village 36 miles southeast of Ajmer) belonging perhaps to 5th-4th century B.C. is one of the earliest Jaina inscriptions reported from Rajasthan, India.^[1]

History

Earlier scholars assigned the Barli inscription to the pre-Ashokan period, but more recent scholars have assigned it to a later date.

According to historian G. H. Ojha, who discovered the inscription in 1912, the inscription contains the line Viraya Bhagavate chaturasiti vase, which can be interpreted as "dedicated to Lord Vira in his 84th year". Based on this reading, Ojha concluded that the record was inscribed in 443 BCE means 84 Years after the Nirvana of Tirthankara Mahavira. Vira is one of the epithets of 24th Tirthankara Mahavira.

K. P. Jayaswal also agreed with Ojha's reading.^[2] Indian Magazine Editor Ramananda Chatterjee has assigned the inscription to 4th Century BCE.^[3] On Paleographic grounds, the inscription can be assigned to the 2nd-1st century BCE.

Description

This inscription is present on a piece of the pillar of dimension 13x10 inches. The inscription is written in Prakrit language. The writing was done by engraving, sewing, engraving, weaving, digging, piercing, burning, and punching. There are many defects in this inscription.

See also

• Early Indian epigraphy
• Brahmi script

References

Sources

• Book: Chakrabarty, Dilip K. . [{{Google books|wPQtDwAAQBAJ|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} India: An Archaeological History: Palaeolithic Beginnings to Early Historic Foundations ]. 2009 . . 978-0-19-908814-0 . 356 .
• Book: Dwivedi, Bhanwar Lal . [{{Google books|idERT6Tg4MMC|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} Evolution of educational thought in India]. Northern Book Centre. 1994. 9788172110598 .
• Book: Goyal, S. R. . [{{Google books|pD9mAAAAMAAJ|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} Ancient Indian Inscriptions: Recent Finds and New Interpretations ]. 2005 . Kusumanjali Book World .
  • Book: Gupta . Swarajya Prakash . Ramachandran . K. S. . [{{Google books|924hAAAAMAAJ|page=106|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} The Origin of Brahmi script ]. 1979 . .
• Book: Hubbard, Thomas . [{{Google books|qMp3mmMy220C|page=310|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} Asiatick Researches ]. 9 . 1807. Hindoostanee Press . .
• Book: Jain, Kailash Chand. [{{Google books|_3O7q7cU7k0C|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} Malwa Through The Ages]. 1972. . 978-81-208-0824-9. en.
• Book: Muni, Nagraj . [{{Google books|dXVOXRrYQiQC|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} Agama Aura Tripitaka: Eka Anusilana]. Concept Publishing Company. 1986. 9788170227311 .
• Book: Sharma, Krishna Gopal . [{{Google books|C2puAAAAMAAJ|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} Early Jaina inscriptions of Rajasthan ]. 1993 . Navrang . 978-81-7013-081-9 .
• Book: Sircar, Dineschandra. [{{Google books|AqKw1Mn8WcwC|page=256|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}} Studies in the Geography of Ancient and Medieval India]. 1971. . 978-81-208-0690-0. en.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Jain . Chhote Lal . Jaina Bibliography . 2020-08-15. Internet Archive. en.
2. Book: Institute, Bhandarkar Oriental Research. Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. 1978. en.
3. Book: Chatterjee, Ramananda. The Modern Review. 1958. Prabasi Press Private, Limited. en.