Sakas of Western India.

Written by Alok Mohan on July 7, 2022. Posted in Uncategorized

Inscription number 146.

 Gondal Fragmentary Stone Slab Inscription of the Time of Rudrasena 3
(- Saka year – 272)
(348-49 A.D)
Provenance: Gondal., 32 km from Rajkot, Kathiawar, Surashtra
Script: Brahmi similar to the script of the inscriptions of the Sakas of Western India.
Language: Sanskrit and Prakrit mixed.
References: D. C. Sircar Ep.Ind. XXXV. pp-191-92.
1. His coins, issued as Mahakshatrapa
Saka 270 (348-49A.D.) and Saka 300 (378-79 A.D) with break of about 13 years from saka 274 to 285
(ie352 co 363 A D) It is surmised that he was defeated and made a vassal by Samudragupta (340-76 A.D.).
Towards the end of the latter’s reign, he seems to have reasserted his independence. This Inscription is the
only epigraphical record known of the time of Rudrasena-3.
2. From the Facsimile in EP.Ind. XXXV
3. Sircar thinks, there is a mutilated siddham symbol in the
beginning of line 1. I am unable to detect it.
4. This phrase was very popular in Buddhist epigraphs.
English Translation of the inscription

In the year two hundred and seventy two (in the reign) of king Mahakshatrapa Rudrasena on the second day of the bright half of (the month of Phalguna (this platform
was established by Syandaka (?) the son of the Abhira farmer,
Simhasena for the welfare and happiness of all beings.
Inscription number 147.
Inscription on the silver Coins of Radasimha 3, Saka Year 310 (= 388 A.D-)
References: Rapson B.M.C. pp-102,
Number. 907.
First side: Imitation of inscription in Greek characters, date in Brahmi words and numerals behind the head. वर्ष (300+10)

Second Side Symbol of three arches a waved line beneath,
crescent to left, star to r, border of dots,
Inscription along tne bordier in Brahmi:-
English Translation of the inscription
Coin of king Mahakshatrapa Lord Rudrasimha son of King Mahakshatrapa Lord Rudrasimha.
Footnote
The last figure read as zero here is, in fact uncertain.
The date therefore can be any between 310 to 319 (i.e. 388 to 397 A.D) The Udayagiri Inscription of Virasena Saba, dated in C.E.82, (402 A D).. refers
to Chandragupta-2, Vikremaditya ‘s expedition to western India for the purpose of conquering the whole earth.
After the conquest of Malwa and Kathiavar, Chandraqupta 2,
issued silver coins closely copied from the silver issues of the Westen Kshatapas. On the obvious, these bear the king’s head with imitation Greek Inscription with date.
On the reverse. they have the Garuda emblem in place of three arches.
The earliest dates on these coins is
G. E. 90 or 90+x = A.D. 409 or a date between 409 and 414. the last being the date of commencement of
Kumargupta ‘s reign.
Sm ith takes 395 A. D. as the mean
date for the completion of the conquest of western India by Chandragupta 2. See Allan., B.M.C. pp.xxxviii f.
2. From Rapson, B.M.C. Plate XVII.
Inscription number 148
Agiabir Fragmentary Stone Slab Inscription of Maharaja Rudramasari
Provenance: Agiabir, Mirzapur district. Uttar Pradesh.
Script: Middle Brahmi of North India of the third or fourth century A D.
Language: Sanskrit Prakrít mixed.
References: D. C. Sircar Ep-Ind. XXIV, pp 244-45.
Footnote
1. The honorific Sri, is usually used
before the name, but instances are forthcoming, Where it is added after the name as in Hathigumpha Inscription, where the name of the king is written both ways as Sri Kharavela and as Kharavelasri. Hence name of the king here may be Rudradama or Rudradaman.. The name of
the King, as also, the style of dating suggests, some connection with western saka Kshtrapas, two of whom are
named as Rudradaman (ruling 130-50 AD) and as many as three bore the name as Damajadasri.. D.C. Sircar ventures a suggestion that Rudramasari may be identical with the son of saka king Rudrasena-3,
(348-78 A.D) (the son of Rudradaman-2), whom he identified earlier. (Proc. I,HC Madras, 1944, pp-78 ff.)
with the Aryavarta ruler Rudradeva, whom Samudragupta claims,in his Allahabad Prasasti, to have destroyed along with eleven other rulers. But it is difficult to place a Saka Kshatrapa in Mirzapur region about this time.
2. From the facismile in Ep.Ind XXXIV, pp244-45

वेति Can also be read as खति.The Preceding word may be देवकुलिको

Thus वेति may be the first Part of
the name of Devakulika or the Superintending Priest of
the temple.

English Translation of the inscription
Success In the year of Maharaja Sri Rudradaman, the lofty warrior. On this afore-said date —- was established. Let the God (or Gods) be pleased.

Alok Mohan

The admin, Alok Mohan, is a graduate mechanical engineer & possess following post graduate specializations:- M Tech Mechanical Engineering Production Engineering Marine engineering Aeronautical Engineering Computer Sciences Software Engineering Specialization He has authored several articles/papers, which are published in various websites & books. Studium Press India Ltd has published one of his latest contributions “Standardization of Education” as a senior author in a book along with many other famous writers of international repute. Alok Mohan has held important positions in both Govt & Private organisations as a Senior professional & as an Engineer & possess close to four decades accomplished experience. As an aeronautical engineer, he ensured accident incident free flying. As leader of indian team during early 1990s, he had successfully ensured smooth induction of Chukar III PTA with Indian navy as well as conduct of operational training. As an aeronautical engineer, he was instrumental in establishing major aircraft maintenance & repair facilities. He is a QMS, EMS & HSE consultant. He provides consultancy to business organisations for implimentation of the requirements of ISO 45001 OH & S, ISO 14001 EMS & ISO 9001 QMS, AS 9100, AS9120 Aero Space Standards. He is a qualified ISO 9001 QMS, ISO 14001 EMS, ISO 45001 OH & S Lead Auditor (CQI/IRCA recognised certification courses) & HSE Consultant. He is a qualified Zed Master Trainer & Zed Assessor. He has thorough knowledge of six sigma quality concepts & has also been awarded industry 4, certificate from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Knowledge Hub Training Platform  He is a Trainer, a Counselor, an Advisor and a Competent professional of cross functional exposures. He has successfully implimented requirements of various international management system standards in several organizations. He is a dedicated technocrat with expertise in Quality Assurance & Quality Control, Facility Management, General Administration, Marketing, Security, Training, Administration etc. He is a graduate mechanical engineer with specialization in aeronautical engineering. He is always eager to be involved in imparting training, implementing new ideas and improving existing processes by utilizing his vast experience.