Yadava era inscription discovered in Junnar taluka, records land grant by King Singhanadeva
There's more. The inscription records the grant of land for cultivation, specifying that one-sixth of the land was donated and concludes with a curse that anyone who steals or disrespects the grant will face a disgraceful fate of being born of a union between his mother and a donkey. The curse is symbolically reinforced by the figure of a donkey carved below the text.
The Yadavas ruled from the 9th to the 14th century and controlled vast regions of western and central India, with their capital located at Devagiri which is the present-day Daulatabad in Maharashtra. King Singhanadeva 2 of the Yadava dynasty played a key role in shaping the political landscape of medieval India. He ruled from 1199 to 1248 AD during which time, he led successful campaigns and expanded his kingdom across Gujarat, Malwa, Karnataka, Andhra, Kosala (Chhattisgarh) and Kalinga (southern Odisha).
The inscription offers valuable insights into the political and cultural landscape of the era as deciphered by Pune-based history researchers, Atharva Pingale and Anil Dudhaney. The inscription written in the Marathi language using the Devanagari script suggests it belongs to the 13th century although it lacks a direct date of reference. The inscription comprises three lines:
'Shri Singhandeve dat kam
Mathachi sati sustu
(Jo dana) na pali'
The lines as translated in English mean, 'King Singhanadeva donated land for cultivation; one sixth portion should be donated. Whoever violates this donation shall face the curse of being born of a union between his mother and a donkey.'
Dudhaney explained, 'The land granted for farming is referred to as 'kamat' or 'kammat' during the Yadava period. The inscription does not mention the recipient, suggesting it is private and fragmentary in nature.'
Pingale noted, 'We see an increase in Marathi inscriptions during Singhanadeva's reign. His other inscriptions have been found in border regions like Kolhapur, Solapur, and Nanded. This period marks the emergence of Marathi as an administrative language.'
'During the 1980s, the condition of archaeological research in Maharashtra was quite good. Today however, we lack a proper mechanism to study these inscriptions. There are no official epigraphists appointed by the government. Those who are currently studying inscriptions are doing so independently at their own level but they have limitations and cannot do much beyond a point. Unfortunately, the government does not pay enough attention to this field,' Pingale said.
'The Maharashtra Sahitya Sanskruti Mandal has published many inscriptions in the past. In contrast, neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are far more advanced and efficient in this area. They work diligently to preserve inscription sites, regularly study them, and publish their findings in a systematic manner; we should also follow a similar approach,' Pingale further said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Researchers demand better protection and preservation of ancient Buddhist caves and petroglyphs
Navi Mumbai: Over 300 ancient history researchers from the group 'Buddhist Caves Preservation Samiti' held a day-long agitation at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Saturday. They demanded better protection and preservation of these priceless caves, which are over 2,000 years old and have the potential to become significant tourist sites. The researchers also urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to fully protect all ancient rock art forms or carvings (petroglyphs), most of which are over 10,000 years old, in the Konkan belt of Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Sindhudurg districts. "This matter of protecting the ancient Buddhist caves has been brewing for the past few years, as we are witnessing a lack of maintenance and shocking encroachments around these historic caves, despite having the heritage notices of ASI displayed at the sites," said a Raigad-based researcher, Vikas Dhanave. For example, Dhanave pointed out: "In Karjat taluka, there is a cluster of caves dating back to the 2nd century BC Satvahana era (over 2,000 years old), known as Kondhane caves and Ambivali Leni caves. These are beautifully cut into a rocky hill to make space for Buddhist viharas and other work areas of that era. However, some developmental works worth Rs 1 crore have started next to Ambivali Leni, including the construction of a 'changing room', as if the visitors are going to a five-star resort. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Launch at Godrej Sector 12 | Luxurious 3 BHK + S & 4 BHK Homes @₹2.90 Cr* Godrej Majesty Learn More Undo No permission from ASI was taken for such changes." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The researchers also pointed out that, like the famous Karla Buddhist Caves near Lonavala, which are thankfully protected and depict intricate, artful rock cuttings, the other neglected caves along the Konkan belt and other sites must also be fully preserved. The officials of ASI Mumbai circle, who met a delegation of the agitating researchers on Saturday, assured them that all their demands would be inquired into and action taken in accordance with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. "There was a famous 'Keru Mata Caves Temple' at Dungi village, near Panvel. Unfortunately, these 5th century AD caves cut from a single rocky monolith have been fully destroyed to make the Navi Mumbai International Airport complex. This way, we slowly lose our connection with ancient history. Perhaps these Dungi caves were used as a resting place by merchants en route to the busy Panvel market. These can be fascinating relics," said another researcher. Regarding the exemplary petroglyphs (also known as geoglyphs), which display carvings of tigers, elephants, deer, rhinos, human shapes, and even marine creatures like sharks and starfish, environmentalist B N Kumar noted: "Imagine, 10,000 to 20,000 years ago, the Konkan region had such a rich biodiversity. This is why these animal shapes have been created on laterite rocks. Today, there are practically no elephants in these parts. Our ancient Indian heritage must be protected. We do not want another highway or a chemical factory to be built over these vulnerable petroglyphs." In August last year, the Maharashtra govt announced that they are declaring certain petroglyphs in Ratnagiri district as 'protected monuments'.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Historic St Andrews Church Raises Funds for Restoration Through Musical Concerts
When a massive pipe organ was installed at St Andrews Church (The Kirk), the parishioners would hardly have thought that 135 years later, the same instrument would help fund the church's restoration. 'We held free western and Indian classical Christian music programmes to fund the restoration,' says Shantakumar, secretary. 'Contributions from attendees are used to build a fund. ' The latest such was a concert on Saturday by the Madras Musical Association string orchestra and The Shatabdi Express. 'The pipe organ, one of the largest in Chennai, was restored about 15 years ago, but the original structure is the same, and it works perfectly,' says Shantakumar. 'The Kirk has a long legacy of music. Well-known musician Handel Manuel, who was part of All India Radio, was the organist and choirmaster here. Every year, a specialist from the UK tunes the organ.' The three-manual, trackeraction organ was bought from Yorkshire-based award-winning makers Peter Conacher & Company in 1883, more than 60 years after the church consecration. The estimated cost was `8,000 in 1883, but the members had only Rs 1,800 in the organ fund at the time. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai A committee was set up to organise a bazaar to generate funds,' says P C R Suresh, a parishioner who headed the restoration project. The church also has a grand piano, which is an indispensable part of the choir Built in 1817 for the Scottish community, The Kirk, which is Scottish for church, stands tall at 166.6ft, its steeple the tallest in the city. 'The leaky roof, spire and dome were restored and the terrace waterproofed,' says Suresh. 'It was made of locally available materials, and we used the same materials – cured and treated limestone, sand and jaggery, for the restoration.' The structure is unique in that the soil in the area was clayey, because of which an ordinary foundation could not be laid. 'The foundation stands on a bed of 150 wells, packed with stones,' says Suresh. According to architect Major Thomas Fiott De Havilland's account, the foundation has also been connected by a series of vaults to strengthen the edifice. 'These vaults, if needed, can bury the dead," says Havilland. However, the entrance to these vaults has not been found. The dome, he writes, is unsupported, and 'built like an eggshell' with pottery cones, without the use of steel or wood. IIT-M's civil engineering and structural engineering department was the consultant for the recent restoration.
India.com
11 hours ago
- India.com
How Did Pune REALLY Get Its Name? What Historians Say Will Surprise You!
Pune's 'Oxford of the East' and 'Cultural Capital of Maharashtra' epithets show how education and modernity run parallel in this Indian city which is well known for its history. Its diversity together with its booming IT sector are pointers towards one of India's most developed cities. Have you ever thought about the origins of Pun's name? The phrase has a captivating backstory that touches on its geography and mythological roots as well linguistics. Religious and mythological links serve as the basis for some of Pune's origin name theories. Pune's name can be traced back to words like Punyagiri or Punyanagari which means virtuous city, as claimed by existing Hindu mythology. As legend has it, sage Punyeshwar (who is a reincarnation of Lord Shiva) is believed to have meditated here which later got associated with his name. Eventually Punyanagari was chopped into Pune. Such connections only add to the rich history and cultural significance of the city. Some say that the city was named after Punyapur, a city created by sage Punyakshi, which might suggest a mythological tale regarding its origin. These stories highlight the city's ancient origins with someone who was around during the spiritual sage practices. Geographical Influence The name of the city is already suggestive of the Mula and Mutha rivers which conjoin to form the Mula Mutha river system. Puna or Poona, a word in Marathi, translates to 'the confluence of rivers' which suggests the city was named after these rivers. Similarly, the rivers aided in vegetation by providing water, which further accentuates their importance in the history of Pune. Another possible source for the nomenclature of Pune city is the fact that it is located on the Deccan Plateau, surrounded by mounds and valleys, which also explains why the city is called Pune. It is also believed that the word 'Pune' stemmed from the Marathi word 'Punawadi,' which translates to 'a settlement near a hill'. This aligns with the topography of Pune as the city is located in the middle of the Sahyadri mountain range. Evolution of History Tracing the history of the city, Pune as a name has transformed over the years, at one point being Punyapur, then Punak and later on being coined as Punawadi during the reign of the Yadavas of Devagiri. The term was widely recognized during the 17th century under the Maratha Empire as a sign of pride, be it politically or culturally, owing to the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later on the Peshwas. In the 9th and 13th centuries the city also served as a bustling region while the Rashtrakuta dynasty and the Yadavs ruled the area respectively. In regard to the Pune term, it was earlier used as Poona by the British. This version was highly used until the independence of India in 1947. Following freedom, a much wider scope of reclaiming Indian heritage along with integration and unity was marked, leading to Pune's original name being returned to further signify pride. Linguistic Perspective As far as linguistics go, the name Pune is thought to have appeared from the Sanskrit word Punya, which translates to 'virtue' or 'merit.' The suffix -e, which marks a place, is usually found at the end of Marathi places. Hence, Pune can mean either a 'place of virtue' or a 'place of merit.' This fits with the city's image as an educational, spiritual, and cultural supercity. Legacy and Modern Identity Pune is now a cosmopolitan city, and yet retains its historical roots. Its name itself serves as a snapshot of its rich history; It has mythological roots and was the capital of the Maratha Empire. Pune's legacy is exhibited by its rich historic remains such as the Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Lal Mahal, and many more. Aside from being important historically, Pune also developed as an important education, research, and technology hub of the world. It also hosts the University of Pune, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) and College of Engineering Pune (COEP) which earned the city the title: 'Oxford of the East.' Additionally, the city's impressive IT sector and active cultural life makes it even more appealing as a contemporary city. Final Thoughts The origin of the name 'Pune' is a story revealing some enriching information behind its mythology, geography, history, and linguistics. The combination of both river confluences or sage attributes combined with people's merits fully justifies the name Pune as a city with deep cultural, spiritual, and intellectual significance. Even as the city continues to develop in leaps and bounds, the name will always symbolize the city's legacy and promise for a better tomorrow.
