Dura Inscription of the time of Kanishka
71.
Dura Inscription of the time of Kanishka
–Year 16 ( 94-95 A.D)
Provenance: Dura, Kiraoli Tehsil, Agra District. U.P.
Script: Brahmi
Language: Mixed Sanskrit and Prakrit
References: Sircar. Ep.Ind.XXXV.
pp. 190-91.
1. From the facsimile Ep.Ind XXXV, Pl. Facing p.191.
2. Sircar reads at the end of 1.1. where there is no trace of any letter. In 1.2 under in 1.1. it is quiet legible.
3. Sircar which he translates as village
headmen for which, there is no justification, since
simply means a villager or a rustic, a fact is hardly worth mentioning.
There is enough space for four letters before. and I propose to restore
them as
English Translation of the inscription
In the year 16 (of the reign) of Maharaja Kanishka, on this date, a house is dedicated in favour of the
tikas by Vardhan tikka, who is the daughter of Vasudatta and
belongs to the, family of the martial (clan of) tikas
of Arshtishena gotra .
May this be for the welfare of the people
This period therefore marked the revival of Hinduism under the patronage of the Gupta rulers Brahmins started getting donated land known as Agrahagar or brahmadeya .Vaish community was most productive but had to pay most taxes.
Ahinsa and vegetarianism was prevalent in the society.
Shudras got engaged art & culture activities & were very active in labor and craft jobs as well as agriculture.
.Rise of a new caste system Kayastha (took place during this period. They used to keep the land records. Guptas encouraged ancient Gurukul system of education.
Reference
http://ancientindia.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/FILE-VOLUME-I.pdf