Carved in Caves – Part 3: Epigraphic Echoes of the Satavahanas By Cdr Alok Mohan I. The Nasik Cave Inscription of Vasishthiputra Pulumavi – Regnal Year 22 (c. 152 A.D.) 1. Provenance and Context Location: Cave No. 3, Nasik (Pandavleni), back wall of verandah. Date: Regnal Year 22 of Vasishthiputra Pulumavi, c. 152 A.D. Script: …
The Nagarjunakonda Inscriptions of Ehuvala Chamtamula (Regnal Years 11, 16, and Vijaya Year)By Cdr Alok Mohan. I. Historical Context and Dynastic Overview The Ikshvaku dynasty, which ruled the lower Krishna valley in the 3rd and early 4th centuries CE, played a crucial role in shaping the religious and cultural identity of Nagarjunakonda, a prominent Buddhist …
“Carved in Caves: Political Power, Religious Patronage, and Gender in Satavahana Epigraphy” By Cdr Alok Mohan. The Satavahanas ruled large parts of the Deccan from roughly 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE. Epigraphic evidence—primarily Prakrit inscriptions in Brahmi script in rock‑cut caves—sheds light on their religious patronage, trade control, familial power, and statecraft. Major sites include …
Maharaja Subhandu: The Benevolent Sovereign of Mahishmati and His Legacy in Gupta-Era Central India By Cdr Alok Mohan Maharaja Subhandu. Abstract This paper explores the reign of Maharaja Subhandu—also known as Subandhu—a fifth‑century ruler based in Mahishmati (modern western Madhya Pradesh). Drawing upon epigraphic evidence, especially the Barwani copper‑plate inscription dated Gupta era 167 (486 CE), …
“Bridging Horizons: Reconstructing Indo‑Scythian (Saka) History in India through Epigraphic Evidence” By Cdr Alok Mohan I. Introduction Contextualizing the Sakas: Central Asian, Iranian‑speaking nomads migrating into northwestern India around 2nd century BCE. Significance: Their rule fueled major political and cultural transformations in Gandhara, Mathura, and Western India. II. Historical Background Origin & Migration: Forced by Xiongnu pressures …
Epigraphic Insights into Post-Kushan India –The Maghas of Bandhavgarh and Kausambi By Cdr Alok Mohan Magha (Megha) Dynasty in Post‑Kushan Vatsa (Kauśāmbī) Region 1. Introduction Following the decline of the Kushan Empire in the late 2nd century CE, a new political configuration emerged in the ancient Vatsa region (with its capital at Kauśāmbī, near modern …
Reconstructing the Mahameghavahana Legacy based on Epigraphic Insights:A Historical Study of the Chedis of Odisha By Cdr Alok Mohan 1. The Chedis of Odisha. Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga. The term “chedis” typically refers to Buddhist stupas or monuments. Orissa, now known as Odisha, has a rich history of Buddhism, and there are several notable chedis …
Reconstructing Traikutaka History through Inscriptions: A Critical Examination of Epigraphic Evidence:By Cdr Alok Mohan 1. Introduction The Traikutakas were a historically significant dynasty that ruled large parts of western India, particularly in present-day Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh, during the 4th to 6th centuries CE. Despite the dynasty’s relative obscurity in mainstream historical narratives, …
Buddhism Along the Silk Road: The Role of the Kushan Empire and Inscriptions as Historical Evidence – By Cdr Alok Mohan Abstract The Silk Road, a vast network of trade routes linking East Asia to the Mediterranean, was not only a conduit for goods but also a channel for cultural, religious, and philosophical exchange. One …
Inscriptions and Empires: Reconstructing the History of the Sunga Dynasty through Epigraphic Evidence – By Cdr Alok Mohan Introduction The Sunga dynasty (c. 185–73 BCE) succeeded the Mauryan Empire and played a pivotal role in shaping India’s political, religious, and cultural landscape. Founded by Pushyamitra Sunga, a former Mauryan general, the dynasty is chiefly known through both …