Epigraphical Studies of Rajasthan Inscriptions (An Old and Rare Book)

About the Book The Shekhawati in Rajasthan is one of the most important regions from the archaeological viewpoint with inscriptions of national importance like the Harsha inscription and Sakarai inscriptions. Most of the inscriptions seem to have a bearing on the history and culture of the region. They give us an idea of the singular rituals and ceremonies which were a part of the lifestyle of the people of the region. The author has, therefore, given a brief outline of the history, society and culture of the Shekhawati region before giving details of the inscriptions. Most of these inscriptions have been exposed for the first time Only a few have been previously noticed by the Archaeological Survey of India or the Rajputana Museum, Ajmer.

The extensive use of Sanskrit in these inscriptions continued upto the first quarter of the thirteenth century after which the local dialect of the Rajasthani language was used in the inscriptions However, a touch of corrupt Sanskrit still remained in the inscriptions especially in the imprecatory stanzas. Most of the inscriptions are believed to have been engraved on behalf of individuals to mark their philanthropic or other achievements in the social field.

The details of the inscriptions given in this book Epigraphical Studies of Rajasthan Inscriptions include the text of Sanskrit, its translation verse by verse, comments of various well-known epigraphers on the decipherment and translation of the text, and the author's own observations based on orthographical and paleographical considerations. In some cases, photographs of the inscriptions are also given. The wide range of inscriptions covered in the book is fascinating indeed.

About the Author Ratan Lal Mishra was born on 25th November, 1925 at Mandawa, a small. town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. He was awarded gold medal by the Rajasthan University for B.A. Degree.. He also received the Rajasthan Sahitya. Academy Award in 1983.

He served as Deputy Director in the Public Relations Department, Government of Rajasthan. He is a prolific writer having more than 30 books to his credit and is keenly devoted to the study of art and architecture. The forts and fortification, cenotaphs, tombs and temples of the country in general and Rajasthan in particular have been a source of great inspiration to him. His special subjects of study are history and archaeology.

Presently, he is engaged epigraphically study of Rajasthan.

Preface It is with pleasure that I place in the hands of readers. the first volume of Epigraphical Studies of Rajasthan Inscriptions-Shekhawati Region. The region selected for presentation is one of the most important regions from the viewpoint of history and culture. Besides, it has great potentiality and richness in the shape of a large stock of inscriptions scattered all over the land. Moreover. some of these inscriptions have got a national importance such as the Harsha stone inscriptions, 1030 V. and the Sakarai inscriptions of 699 V. The other inscriptions have area. a close bearing on the history and culture of the While preparing The History of Shekhawati, I came across a number of important inscriptions which proved a valuable primary source material for building and supplying the missing links in the history of the region.

During the last decade I have been engaged primarily in the work of discovering, collecting and deciphering the epigraphs which provided interesting information on many topics. The village folks watched this exercise curiously and sometimes disconcertedly when they saw a stranger scanning either a mutilated crusted stone slab lying in a dark corner or noting down something from the withered wall of their old temple. As a result of consistent effort, in this way a good number of epigraphs were collected and analyzed.

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