Study of Inscriptions throwing light on the Jat History

It would be interesting to know how Tod collected material/sources for more than ten years to write his classical book the Annals and antiquities of Rajasthan.

In preface to Volume I [p. xviii], on collection of literary sources, he writes :

"For a period of ten years, I was employed, with the aid of a learned Jain, in ransacking every work which could contribute any facts or incidents to the history of Rajpoots, or diffuse any light upon their manners and character. Extracts and versions of all such passages were made by my Jain Assistant into the more familiar dialects (which are formed from the Sanscrit) of these tribes, in whose language my long residence amongst them enabled me to converse with facility....I brought some relics, the examination of which I consign to other hands. The large collection of ancient Sanscrit and Bhakha MSS, which I conveyed ti England, have been presented to the Royal Asiatic Society, in whose library they are deposited."

When he moved to collect epigraphy sources he had a team of Jain and Brahmin learned persons to assist him as is evident from the below given extracts :

Elated at finding and its successful reading of a Jain inscription [1246 AD] at Bhyansar he writes : "These discoveries stimulated our research, and my revered guru who is now deeply imbued with antiquarian enthusiasm.....".p. 529/vol 2.

And again about the services rendered by the said guru he mentions that he sent him to Barolli, an anciently called Dholpoor as "I could not go myself, I dispatched the Guru to hunt for inscriptions and bring me an account." [ibid.]

About his another assistant he refers thus : By stupidity of my guide and in the absence of the indefatigable Balgovind, my brahmin antiquarian pioneer, I lost the opportunity of seeing the shrine of Sookdeo...where an inscription was reported to be available. [ibid, p. 205

This reference being quoted below shows shows a bigger team assisting him in collection and interpretation of data available in Bhaka and Sanscrit:

When he was at village Oomur, on learning that nearby Paragurh contained an inscription, "I dispatched one of my Pundits to copy it." [ibid, p.513]

In this way it is discernible that he had at his disposal the services of a number of learned antiquarians who read out the epigraphy based collection of information to him.
 
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drssrana2003 said:
Dr. Rajpal Ji,

I am not in a hurry. But certainly I would be interested in knowing what different explanation is there apart from the the

starting point set out by Tod's translation which has been discussed through a number of posts-sufficient for forming a

view either way. On Tod's side is his translation alone. The fallacy of his understanding the whole issue comes out. The

issue of script and language being two different entities still lingers in some quarters in spite of repeated explanations. To

repeat: Pali is a language of Buddhist holy records. In non- Buddhist records it would be called Prakrit. The Script of all

records inscribed from Ashokan times onwards is Brahmi- till it took regional forms and acquired different names.

In any case is it the stand of any one that the Inscriptions of Tod being discussed are relating to Buddhism? I am equally

keen to know what other friends think in this regard.
Click to expand...

Dr. Rana Sahib,

I have not seen any of the original inscriptions translated into English by Tod so cannot comment on their language.

But I put full dependence on what he had written in his Annals about the language/script [terms used by him Pali and nail headed character respectively] for three inscriptions related to Takshac/Mori/Jit.

For interpretation and identification of various terms emerging out of the translated into English version, the discussion was set in motion. But instead of moving forward in the direction of identification of names, places and events and putting them in historic setting for reconstruction of history of those times, the discussion has turned to verification of the accuracy of translation done by Tod, that too without having a ' darshan ' of original inscription [which is reported to be lost]. This has led to avoidable free run of unending speculation and counter speculation based arguments for and against the word 'Jit' with the name Shailendra.

I have read translated into English versions of Asokan inscriptions and may I add here that two of the inscriptions of Asoka are in early Prakrit/Pali not in Skt. This shows that script brahmi is not monopoly of Sankrit only other languages also used it from ancient times

It seems, in the challenge thrown to accuracy of Tod's translation into English of the inscriptions, script is not an issue but language is. If it is proved to be Pali/ Prakrit, we have to find the meanings and context of the words used by Tod from that language and not from Skt irrespective of the script used; and in converse case the same yard stick will apply. It is up to the linguists to verify whether he has erroneously titled the inscription language as Pali in place of Prakrit or Sanskrit and how this might have happened.

Therefore, further research has to be conducted on the basis of other inscriptions of the same period available from the same region to sort out the mystery involved.

Till the issue of language used in engraving the document is resolved, we have no solid reason to suspect the accuracy of translation done by Tod.

Thanks and regards,
 
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राजस्थान में मौरवंशी जाटों का राज्य

दलीप सिंह अहलावत [ जाट वीरों का इतिहास: पृष्ठ.312-313] के अनुसार मौर्य-मौरवंशी जाटों का पाटलिपुत्र राजधानी पर 138 वर्ष शासन रहकर समाप्त हो गया। इन लोगों का राजस्थान में राज्य अवश्य रह गया, जो कि आज के चित्तौड़ पर था। यह नगर चित्रकूट के नाम पर मौर्य राजा चित्रांगद ने बनवाया था। उसी राजा ने चित्रंग तालाब का भी निर्माण कराया। ऐसा वर्णन “कुमारपाल प्रबन्ध” पत्र 30-2 में आता है। इसी के वंशज राजा मान मौर्यवंशी ने चित्तौड़ के पास मानसरोवर बनवाया [जाटों का उत्कर्ष, पृ० 343-44, लेखक कविराज योगेन्द्रपाल शास्त्री।]। इसमें से 713 ई० में खुदवाया हुआ एक शिलालेख प्राप्त हुआ जिसमें माहेश्वर भीम, भोज और मान का चित्तौड़ पर राज्य करना प्रमाणित होता है [भारत में जाट राज्य उर्दू पृ० 293, लेखक कविराज योगेन्द्रपाल शास्त्री।, (जाट्स दी ऐनशन्ट रूलर्ज, पृ० 287, लेखक बी० एस० दहिया); राजपूताने का इतिहास पृ० 95, लेखक गौरीशंकर हीराचन्द ओझा। ]।

इसी राजा मान मौर्य के धेवते वाप्पा रावल ने भीलों के बल पर अपने नाना को मारकर चित्तौड़ का राज्य छीन लिया। जैसा कि राजप्रशस्ति महाकाव्य सर्ग 3 में लिखा है -

ततः स निर्जित्य नृपं तु मौरी जातीयभूपं मनुराजसंज्ञम्।
गृहीतवांश्चित्रितचित्रकूटं चक्रेऽत्र राज्यं नृपचक्रवर्ती॥

मुहणोंत नैणसी ने भी अपनी ख्यात में “मौरी दल मारेव राज रायांकुर लीधौ,” लिखकर इसी सत्यता को पुष्ट किया है [जाटों का उत्कर्ष, पृ० 343-44, लेखक कविराज योगेन्द्रपाल शास्त्री। ]। राजा मान मौर सन् 713 ई० में राज्य करता था। इसका धेवता वाप्पा रावल जो कि बल वंश का था, ने भीलों की मदद से धोखा देकर इसको मार दिया और चित्तौड़ राज्य का शासक बन गया। इसने यहां पर गोहिलवंश के नाम पर राज्य स्थापित किया [भारत में जाट राज्य उर्दू पृ० 293, लेखक कविराज योगेन्द्रपाल शास्त्री। ]।
 
drssrana2003 said:
Dr. Rajpal Ji,

If you kindly recall the relevant posts in connection with the so called term

'jit' indicating the caste 'jat' in Tod's inscriptions. It had been fairly demonstrated that the

terms 'Jataa and 'jitaari' located and translated erroneously by Tod realy stand for 'hair' and

conqueror of enemies, respectively. Both these terms are found similarly used also in several

inscriptions quoted by Shri LAXMAN BURDAK in several of his posts on this thread.

Any way I do not find my self competent enough to comment further.
Click to expand...


Dr. Sahib,

We, in view of our present state of information and knowing that accessibility to the original inscription seems difficult if not impossible, accept the meanings applied by you to various terms under reference, it would be interesting to know how the following para would read.

"....The fame of Raja Jit I now shall tell, by whose valour the lands of SALPOORA are preserved. The fortunes of Raja Jit are as flames of fire devouring his foe. The mighty warrior JIT SALINDRA is beautiful in person, and from the strength of his arm esteemed the first amongst the tribes of the mighty; make resplendent as does the moon the earth, the dominions of SALPOORI. The whole world praises the Jit prince."

Leaving aside remaining inscription translation, you are requested kindly to reconstruct the above mentioned extract from Tod's English translated version by applying the Jata and Jitaai meanings of your proposed reading of the original language of the inscription.

Your this act of reconstruction of Sailendra related portion of the inscription would definitely help in clinching the issue and to put a stop to the unending discussion on this point.


Thanks and regards
 
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Bhadwa Pillar Inscription of Ugam Jat samvat 1116 (1059 AD)

ठाकुर देशराज लिखते हैं कि राज्य श्री जयपुर के सांभर प्रान्त में करड़ और काकरा नाम के ग्रामों में 800 वर्ष के पुराने जो जादू के मन्दिर कहलाते हैं वे जाट भूमिपति के बनाए हुए हैं। इन मन्दिरों से तीन कोस दक्षिण की ओर भादवा गांव है। यहां एक बहुत पुरानी बावड़ी और एक कुआं है। बड़ी-बड़ी पत्थरों की शिलाओं को घड़कर पूठियों को जोड़-जोड़कर कुएं की नाल बनाई गई है। इस कुएं की मजबूती, सुन्दरता और प्राचीन शिल्प प्रशंसनीय है। इस कुएं से उत्तर की ओर एक बड़ा भारी नील पत्थर कीर्ति-स्तम्भ खड़ा है। कीर्ति-स्तम्भ के दक्षिण भाग में घुड़सवार सामने खड़े हुए दुश्मन पर दाहिने हाथ से तलवार का वार करते हुए वीर उगम जाट बाएं हाथ से घोड़े की लगान खींचे हुए अपनी इतिहास प्रसिद्ध जाति की स्वाभाविक वीरता दिखला रहे हैं। एक शत्रु कटा हुआ घोड़े के पैरों में पड़ा है और दूसरे के सिर के ऊपर उगम वीर की तलवार का वार हो रहा है। कीर्ति-स्तम्भ के उत्तर भाग में ऊपर शंख, चक्र, गदा, पद्म धारे हुए मस्तक पर मुकुट से सुशोभित भगवान कृष्णचन्द खड़े हैं। उनके चरणों के नीचे ऐसा शिलालेख खुदा हुआ है -

उगम जाट भादवा का सं. 1116 वि. आषाढ़ सुदी 9 मंगलवार।

यह अनुमान अच्छी तरह से किया जा सकता है कि उगम जाट कोई साधारण मनुष्य नहीं था। क्योंकि कई हजार रुपयों की लागत का कुआं और बावड़ी जिसने बनवाकर राजाओं के तुल्य अपना नाम चिरस्मरण रखने के लिए ऐसा विशाल कीति-स्तम्भ खड़ा किया था वह अवश्य कोई बड़ा भारी रईस था। और जो इतिहास लेखक भूल से लिख गए हैं कि वर्तमान देवनागरी अक्षर चार-पांच सौ वर्षों से प्रचलित हुए हैं यह लोगों का झूठा विश्वास नराना गांव के सं. 1111 के जेबल्या जाट के कीर्ति-स्तम्भ से अकोदा के हर्षराम चौ. के सं. 1000 के लेख से, और भादवा के उगम जाट के सं. 1116 के कीर्ति-स्तम्भ की नागरी लिपि और हिन्दी भाषा से, खंडित हो जाना चाहिए और जानना चाहिए कि एक हजार वर्ष पहले राजपूताने में नागरी लिपि और हिन्दी भाषा प्रचलित थीं और राजपूताने में बड़े भारी बुद्धिमान बसते थे। और यह भी जाना जाता है कि विक्रम संवत् 1111, और सं. 1116 में राजपूताने के जाटों की कीर्ति, गौरव, स्वतंत्रता, वीरता - ये सब उनके पास मौजूद थीं।

जाट इतिहास:ठाकुर देशराज,पृष्ठ-729
 
Could anyone enlighten us about exact boundaries of ancient Malawa region [comprising parts of modern day MP, Gujarat and Rajasthan] after the fall of Gupta Empire.

This will prove helpful in establishing the identity of the names of ruling Jat dynasties as mentioned on inscriptions being taken up for discussion and their relations with other contemporary political entities of the region.
 
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Extent of Malwa region

The Malwa region occupies a plateau in western Madhya Pradesh and south-eastern Rajasthan (between 21°10′N 73°45′E and 25°10′N 79°14′E), with Gujarat in the west.

The region includes :

Madhya Pradesh districts of Agar, Dewas, Dhar, Indore, Jhabua, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Shajapur, Ujjain, and parts of Guna and Sehore. The definition of Malwa is sometimes extended to include the Nimar region north of the Vindhyas.

Rajasthan[/B] districts of Jhalawar and parts of Banswara and Pratapgarh.

Malwa is bounded in the north-east by the Hadoti region, in the north-west by the Mewar region, in the west by the Vagad region and Gujarat. To the south and east is the Vindhya Range and to the north is the Bundelkhand upland.
 
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Thanks Burdak Sahib for this important information on the region named as Malwa. It makes clear that the ruling dynasty of Inscription 2 belonged to this region.

So, let us try to identify Chandersen, the second ruler of Tod's inscription No. 2 [earlier mentioned vide posts No. 26, 27 and 38 under this thread]. Tod has identified him vide his note 5 to the inscription as "—Chandrasen is celebrated in the history of the Pramaras as the founder of several cities, from two of which, Chandrabhaga, at the foot of the central plateau of India, in Northern Malwa, and CHANDRAVATI, the ruins of which I discovered at the foot of the Aravulli near Aboo. I possess several valuable memoria, which will, ere long, confirm the opinions I have given of the Takshac architect."

Alexander Cunningham in his Arch. Survey Report has also confirmed after a visit to Chandravati that it was an old ruined city first settled by Chandersen, the ruler of Malwa. The place is in the vicinity of modern Jhalarparputtan and none has expressed any doubt about its antiquity.

Moreover, the place of the ruins of the city founded by Chandersen also falls in the adjacent region from where the inscription under discussion had been ''discovered namely, '' Ram Chandrapoora, six miles east of Boondee, in digging a well.''

Therefore, the circumstantial and material information leads us to express the probability that the second ruler named in the inscription is Chandersen, who founded Chandravati.

The above possibility draws strength from the fact that Dhanuka son of Kuhul, who got this inscription prepared has already been identified on the information supplied by another inscription as noted in earlier discussion on this issue.

Dhunika was also an important ruler of this dynasty who even the life time of his father further extended the possessions of his ruling dynasty. This becomes a bit clearer from reading of his description as given below

"DHUNIKA, whose deeds ascended high—who could fathom the intentions of mankind—whose mind was deep as the ocean—whose ever hungry falcon expelled from their mountains and forests the MEENA tribes, leaving them no refuge in the three words, leveling their retreats to the ground. His quiver was filled with crescent-formed arrows—his sword the climber [vela] of which pearls are the fruits. With his younger brother Dewaka be reverences gods and Brahmins—and with his own wealth perfumed a sacrifice to the sun.
For the much beloved’s [his wife] pleasure this was undertaken. Now the river of ease, life and death, is crossed over, for this abode will devour the body of the foe, into which the west wind wafts the fragrant perfume from the sandal-covered bosom of Lacshmi ; while from innumerable lotos the gale from the east comes laden with aroma, the hum of the bees as they hang clustering on the flowers of thepadhul is pleasing to the ear.
So long as Soomeru stands on its base of golden sands, so long may the dwelling endure. So long as the wind blows on the koonjeris, supporters of the globe, while the firmament endures, or while Lacshmi causes the palm to be extended, so long may his praise and this edifice be stable.
KUHLA formed this abode of virtue, and east thereof a temple to ISWARA.''

This confirmation of the two rulers of this dynasty on the basis of archaeological finds including epigraphy leads us to deduce that this ruling dynasty seems to have played a vital role in the political field in their times. But the question arises what was their time line!

After having presented proposed identification of two rulers names and one of the towns founded by them, we must take up the issue of their timeline.
 
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Thanks Rajpalji,

I am moving this info to page for [wiki]Chandrasena[/wiki]. I need Ref of Alexander Cunningham in his Arch. Survey Report about Chandrasena.
 
Ancestry of Chandrasena

An Inscription dated 684 A.D. belonging to Dhanika has been reported from Nagara, which was a stronghold of the Mallava tribe in the early centuries of the Christian era. [ Bharata-Kaumudi, I. p. 267 quoted in Classical Age, p. 160.]

Ram Chandra Pura Inscription of James Tod (Inscription No.II) mentions Dhunika son of Kuhla.

My view is both Dhanika of 684 AD Inscription and Dhunika of James Tod (Inscription No.II) are one and the same persons which in Hindi is धनिक

Now we can construct a time line for Chandrasena taking 25 years for each generation.

Thot → Chandrasena (584 A.D.)→ Kartika (m. Gunaniwas) → Daruka (+Mukunda/Sukunda) → Kuhala → Dhunika (=Nagara Inscription of Dhanika 684 A.D. )

Our supposed date of Chandrasena (584 A.D.) is approaching

606 AD the date Jat Raja Harshavardhana was crowned Monarch.
 
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Mauryas and Pramars have been clubbed as one and the same ruling elite group but B.S. Dahiya quoting epigraphy and other sources has arrived at the conclusion that Mauryas and Pramara Rajputs are separate and have their own identity separate from each other. Read the following quote and think over the correctness of his deduction :


"The Mor/Maur kings of Chittore are named Maheśvara, Bhima, Bhoja and Māna. In the 8th century AD, they were ruling at Kota also, where a ruler named Dhaval Maur is mentioned in an inscription of 738 AD (JA 19 (1890) 55-57). H.G..Ray suggests that the Mor/Mori kings of Chittore belonged to the Paramāra branch of the Rajputs (Dynastic history of North India, I, pp.5-6, Note). This is not correct because Paramāra and Mor are two separate clans and neither is a part of the other. This suggestion is like the same that the Nehrus are a part of the Gandhis. It may also be noted that in the Glossary of the Tribes and Castes, the Mors are not mentioned as a Rajput clan, but as a purely Jat clan. "

- See more at: http://www.iranchamber.com/history/articles/iranic_identity_of_mauryas3.php#sthash.6aDEWwFs.dpuf
 
Jhalrapatan Inscription of Durgagana Maurya 690 A.D.

One such inscription is reported by R. C. Majumdar from " Jhalra Patan dated 690 A.D. It mentions Raja Durgagana of the Maurya family." The author in foot note says that "The inscription has not been edited and there is only a short reference to it in IA, LVI, 213".
 
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Identification of Chandrawati

A. Cunningham's identification of Chandrawati with Jhalra Patan in Jhalawar district in Rajasthan is wrong. All Records show location of Chandrawati near Mount Abu and it is still existing town.

The Chandrawati village is situated near Abu Road on the bank of the West Banas River in Rajasthan. In ancient times it was an extensive town, and present villages such as Dattani, Kiverli, Kharadi and Santpura were its suburbs. The old ruins, such as temples, torans and images scattered over the large area, bear testimony to its past glory.

So the James Tod's identification is correct. According to James Tod as per [Note 5] to Ram Chandra Pura (Inscription No. II) — Chandrasen is celebrated in the history of the Pramaras as the founder of several cities, from two of which, Chandrabhaga, at the foot of the central plateau of India, in Northern Malwa, and Chandrawati, the ruins of which I discovered at the foot of the Aravulli near Aboo. I possess several valuable memoria, which will, ere long, confirm the opinions I have given of the Takshaka architect. (Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Vol.1, pp. 624-25)

We have yet to find Chandrabhaga.
 
lrburdak said:
A. Cunningham's identification of Chandrawati with Jhalra Patan in Jhalawar district in Rajasthan is wrong. All Records show location of Chandrawati near Mount Abu and it is still existing town.

The Chandrawati village is situated near Abu Road on the bank of the West Banas River in Rajasthan. In ancient times it was an extensive town, and present villages such as Dattani, Kiverli, Kharadi and Santpura were its suburbs. The old ruins, such as temples, torans and images scattered over the large area, bear testimony to its past glory.

So the James Tod's identification is correct. According to James Tod as per [Note 5] to Ram Chandra Pura (Inscription No. II) — Chandrasen is celebrated in the history of the Pramaras as the founder of several cities, from two of which, Chandrabhaga, at the foot of the central plateau of India, in Northern Malwa, and Chandrawati, the ruins of which I discovered at the foot of the Aravulli near Aboo. I possess several valuable memoria, which will, ere long, confirm the opinions I have given of the Takshaka architect. (Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Vol.1, pp. 624-25)

We have yet to find Chandrabhaga.
Click to expand...

Some clues are presented below which could perhaps lead to fixing the identity of another place, in addition to Chandravati, known as Chandrabhaga by Jat king Chandersen; kindly read first the extract given below :

"Modern Jhalrapatan, in the Jhalawar region of Rajasthan, was founded by the side of an artificial lake in 1796, close to an old site, by Zalim Singh the chief of Jhalawar, and became a centre of trade. The ancient site near the town was occupied by the city of Chandrabhaga, said to have been destroyed in the time of Aurangzeb. The finest feature of this site is the temple of Sitaleshwar Mahadeva (ca. 689), an exemplar of the architecture and sculpture of the Jhalawar region. Once, this region was part of the territory of Kotah. In the description of James Fergusson accompanying the image, 'Jhalrapatan, or "the city of bells" so called from the hundred and eight temples which it once contained, was a city of great antiquity, but fell into decay. It was rebuilt at the close of the last century, and is now one of the principal commercial towns of Upper Malwa. The plate shows one of the ancient temples which has been restored. The state of Jhalowar is an offshoot of Kotah, which was detached from it in style.'

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/t/019pho000000971u00064000.html
 
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Another clue confirming the antiquity of historic Chandrabhaga settled by Jat king Chandrasen and its location :

"Jhalarapatan (6 kms): The small town is popularly referred to as the 'City of bells'. An entire township resides within the confines of a wall, which was built to protect the trade caravans from pindaries.

A magnificent 10th century Surya Temple (Padam Nath Temple) is the major attraction of the city. The temple has some splendid sculptures as well as, nicely preserved idols of Surya.

Chandrabhaga Temples (7 kms): On the banks of the magnificent Chandrabhaga River stand some splendid 7th century A.D. temples. The intricately carved pillars and arched gateways are fine examples of the temple architecture and craftsmanship. The 11th century A.D. Shantinath Jain temple is also noteworthy with fine murals and exquisite sculptures. ''

Source : http://kaustubhholidays.com/jhalawar.html
 
Identification of Fortress of Takhya with Tokaspura

Inscription No I: Kanswa Inscription of Jat Maharaja Shalinder of year 409 AD

This Inscription of Jat prince Salendra of the fifth century, discovered by James Tod in 1820, in a temple at Kunswa, near the Chumbal river, south of Kotah.

Its capital was Salpuri which we have identified with [wiki]Salera[/wiki] village in Chhoti Sadri tahsil in Chittorgarh district in Rajasthan. Its ancient name was Shalipura (शालिपुरा).

The Inscription mentions about a FORTRESS OF TAK’HYA that means Takshaka Fort or Takshakapura (तक्षकपुर).

James Tod writes [Note 4.]— “The fortress of Tacshac.” Whether this TAKSHAC-NAGARI, or castle of the Tak, is the stronghold of SALAPOORI, or the name given to the conquest in the environs of the place, whence this inscription, we can only surmise, and refer the reader to what has been said of Takitpoora. As I have repeatedly said, Taks and Jits are one race.

Our research has shown that this is not Takatpur as indicated by Tod but itis Tokaspura (टोकसपुरा) village in Indragarh Bundi tehsil of Bundi district in Rajasthan. PIN:323614. Nerby villages are Nawalpura and Nayagaon. Nearby railway station of Tokaspura is Bundi. Its location in south Bundi near the border of the Chambal matches with the description of Tod.
 
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1000-year-old settlement unearthed at Chandravati

Times of India Jaipur, Dated 7.2.2015

UDAIPUR: An archaeological excavation team has exposed the complete plan of settlement in one of the ancient forts at [wiki]Chandravati[/wiki] in Sirohi district. The ancient settlement is believed to be of Parmars of Abu branch spread in about 50 hectares. The second season of excavation that commenced from January 12, spearheaded by Prof J S Kharakwal of JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur would continue until the last week of February. The project is a joint venture of the Archaeological department and Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur.

Intensive exploration unit of the research team has spotted craft area of the township along the Sevarni, the southern fringe of the settlement. It is likely that out of three dozen temples a few may belong to craft folks. The exploration unit has also discovered a few watch towers located to the east and south east of the settlement. Line drawing of the temples, craft area, and other complexes is also underway. Members of excavation team are Vineet Godhal, K P Singh, Narayan Paliwal, Rohit Menaria, Rajnikant, Joginder Singh, Baishakhi and Prakash.

As many as three fortified enclosures have been discovered so far. "The largest fortified area, spread in about four hectares, is located in the valley of Banas whereas remaining two forts, about three dozen temples, around a dozen bawaris, besides a very large settlement are located in the valley of Sevarni, a tributary of the Banas. Unfortunately, a major part of the ancient city was destroyed while the Abu Road -Palanpur highway was made," informed Prof Kharakwal. It has in fact divided the ancient township into two parts.

One of the fortified areas located very close to museum building at Chandravati was partially exposed in the first field season last year. Now the team has discovered three residential complexes in the fort. One of them located in the south eastern corner with six rooms is believed to be janana mahal. The second complex discovered in the north eastern part also has equal number of rooms but no passage from this complex to janana mahal. The entrance to the fort was given from north western corner.

In the south central part of the fort was discovered the third residential complex with a few rooms and a very large hall opening towards janana mahal. In fact janana mahal was completely bracketed by third complex, clearly suggesting that no outsider was allowed to enter it. Though no outlets for water have been discovered so far but the excavator suggests that the general slope of the land in the fort area is towards north, therefore it is quite likely that the waste water was being sent outside the settlement through the main gate.

A variety of minor objects like gamesman, terracotta beads, copper and iron objects, animal figurines were discovered from these complexes. Besides, a large quantity of charred grains were also discovered in one of the rooms close to a circular terracotta feature which looked like gatti (grinding instrument).

The investigating team strongly believes that the beginning of settlement at Chandravati would be much earlier than what is believed. It is because the township of Parmar kings is superimposed on a very large ancient settlement, which is partially exposed close to the fort. A huge storage jar has been discovered in one of rooms, it was strongly protected in a chamber and blank space was filled with sand. Charcoal samples for radio carbon dates and phytolith samples have been sent to concerned laboratories to confirm the absolute dates.

Ref - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...rthed-at-Chandravati/articleshow/46152541.cms
 
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No I Memorial of a Gete or Jit prince of the fifth century, discovered 1820, in a temple at Kunswa, near the Chumbul river, south of Kotah

May the Jit’ha be thy protector ! What does this Jit’h resemble? Which is the vessel of conveyance across the waters of life, which is partly white, partly red? Again, what does it resemble, where the hissing-angered serpents dwell ? What may this Jit’ah be compared to, from whose root the roaring flood descends? Such is the Jit’h : by it may thou be preserved .

The fame of Raja Jit I now shall tell, by whose valour the lands of SALPOORA are preserved. The fortunes of Raja Jit are as flames of fire devouring his foe. The mighty warrior JIT SALINDRA [2] is beautiful in person, and from the strength of his arm esteemed the first amongst the tribes of the mighty; make resplendent as does the moon the earth, the dominions of SALPOORI. The whole world praises the Jit prince. Who enlarges the renown of his race, sitting in the midst of haughty warriors, like the lotos in waters, the moon of te sons of men. The foreheads of the princes of the earth worship the toe of his foot. Beams of light irradiate his countenance, issuing from the gems of his arms of strength. Radiant is his array: his riches abundant; his mind generous and profound as the ocean. Such is he of SARYA race, a tribe renowned amongst the tribes of the mighty; whose princes were ever foes to treachery to whom the earth surrendered her fruits, and who added the lands of their foes to their own. By sacrifice, the mind of this lord of men has been purified; fair are his territories, and fair is the FORTRESS OF TAK’HYA. The string of whose bow is dreaded, whose wrath is the reaper of the field of combat; but to his dependents he is as the pearl on the neck; who makes no account of the battle, though streams of blood run through the field. As does the silver lotos bend its head before the fierce rays of the sun, so does his foe stoop to him, while the cowards abandon the field.
From this lord of men (Narpati) SALINDEA sprung DEVNGLI, whose deeds are known even at this remote period.
From him was born SUMBOOKA, and from him DEGALLI, who married two wives of YADU race, and by one a son named VIRA NARINDRA, pure as a flower from the fountain.
Amidst groves of amba, on whose clustering blossoms hang myriads of bees, that the wearied traveler might repose, was this edifice erected. May it and the fame of its founder, continue while ocean rolls, or while the moon, the sun, and hills endure. Samvat 597.--- On the extremity of MALWA, this minister [MINDRA] was erected, on the banks of the river TAVELI, by SALICHANDRA [6], son of VIRACHANDRA. Whoever will commit this writing to memory, his sins will be obliterated.
Carved by the sculptor SEVNARYA, son of DWARASIVA, and composed by BUTENA, chief of bards."


Friends,

The identification of Salpoora, Salpoori has remained a big problem with the historians so far. Their speculation to identify this place with known power centre of Jats has led Tod and Cunningham to Syalkot but our discussion has led us to believe that we must concentrate our efforts to locate the place in the vicinity of the Kansawa as no big kingdom could be imagined in the period mentioned on the inscription itself i.e. it was the period when glory of the Imperial guptas was at the peak. It means, this ruling dynasty was founded by either some petty officer of the Guptas or some adventurer prince in the far off remote corner of the empire. The result of the efforts of the participants may be presented as under :

The identification of Salpoori/Salpoora of this Sarya race capital mentioned on Kansawa Inscription of Jat Raja Shailendra brought to light by Tod has been established in the vicinity of the area where two ancient villages as :

1. Perhaps, Salpoora/Salpoori, the capital of this small kingdom was Salpuri which seems to be identifiable with Salera village in Chhoti Sadri tahsil in Chittorgarh district in Rajasthan. Its ancient name was Shalipura (शालिपुरा).

and

2. FORTRESS OF TAK’HYA/ Takshaka Fort or Takshakapura (तक्षकपुर) mentioned in the inscription seems to be probaly Takatpur. On the ancient ruins found at the place is presently occupied by Tokaspura (टोकसपुरा) village in Indragarh Bundi tehsil of Bundi district in Rajasthan. PIN:323614.Nearby railway station of Tokaspura is Bundi. Its location in south Bundi near the border of the Chambal river and this seems to match with the description of the place mentioned on the inscription.
If these identifications may be accepted as correct, then this follows that this Jat kingdom which flourished in the Malawa region for about one and half century [c. AD 405 to 540 AD onward when the inscription was established] played an important role in the affairs of the region of Kota-Bundi in those days. It is remarkable that this ruling dynasty came into existence at a time when the Gupta Empire was at the peak of its glory under Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. Another important point emerges that since no other information concerning this dynasty has come to light, it may be presumed that after the death of King Salichandra, it might had been replaced by other ruling dynasty. When did this event happen, is shrouded in the darkness in the absence of data on the issue.

Comments of the participants are welcome.
 
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