Rock Inscriptions of Rajasthan

Hathibada-Ghosundi Inscriptions (1 BC)

The rock inscriptions are a reliable source of information that can help in reconstruction of chronology and political history of a region. Moreover they also provide a solid piece of information on contemporary life of the region. Some of the major rock inscriptions found in Rajasthan are

Barli Insrciption (443 BC)

1. Excavated from Barli in Ajmer district and written in Prakrit in Brahmi Script.
2. Dedicated to 24the Jain Tirthankara Mahavira.

Hathibada-Ghosundi Inscriptions (1 BC)

1. Writing is in Sanskrit in Brahmi Script.
2. Hathibada Inscription was found near Nagari Village, 13 km north of Chittorgarh whereas there were inscription found in Ghosundi village, 4.8 km southwest of Chittorgarh.
3. All three inscription are incomplete in nature, but supposedly part of one large inscription.
4. Dedicated to Samkarshana-Vasudeva (Balarama-Krishna) and mentions Ashwamedha yajna performed by the King who ordered these inscriptions.

Nandsa Yupatambha (225 AD)

1. Yupastambha literally means ‘sacrificial post’.
2. This sacrificial pillar is made of wood adorned with carved figures.
3. Found near Nandsa village in Banswara and written in Sanskrit

Barnala Yupastambha (227 AD)

1. Found near Barnala and now preserved at Amer Museum.
2. Mentions establishment of seven pathshalas by Sohattar King in 284 Sawant (which corresponds to 227 AD)
3. Writing is in Sanskrit

Badwa Stambha (238/9 AD)

1. Found near Badwa in Kota district.
2. Mentions names of Maukhari commander-in-chief Bala sons: 1. Balavardhana, 2. Somadeva and 3. Balasimha.
3. Indicates the period of fall of Buddhism and revival of Hinduism.
4. First and oldest Maukhari inscription

Bichpuria Yupastambha (274 AD)

1. Writing is in Sanskrit
2. Found near Bichpuria village in Tonk
3. Indicates the revival of Hinduism and sacrificial rituals.
4. Mentions the name of Malava chief Ahisarman.

Vijayagarh Inscription (278 AD)

1. Writing is in Sanskrit
2. Mentions Pundreek Yajna by Yashovardhana

Gangadhar Inscription (423 AD)

1. Found near Gangadhar tehsil in Jhalawar and written in Sanskrit
2. Mentions the construction of a Vaishnava temple by Mayuraksh, a minister of Varmant King Vishwavarma
3. Also mention the construction of a Bawali
4. Sheds light on Feudal System of 5th century.

Nagari Inscription (424 AD)

1. Written in Sanskrit
2. Now preserved in Amer museum
3. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu

Bharamar Mata Inscription (491 AD)

1. Found near Chhoti Sadri in Chittorgarh district.
2. Mentions the rule of Gaur clan Jats and construction of a Devi temple in memory of their ancestors on magha shukla 10 in samvat 547 (491 AD).
3. Written in Sanskrit

Khand Inscription (7th Century)

1. Found near Khand in Chittorgarh
2. Writing is in Sanskrit

Basantgarh Inscription (625 AD)

1. Written in Sanskrit
2. Mentions the name of Raujil, son of Vajra Bhatt, ruler of Arbud region
3. Found near Basantgarh in Sirohi

Shamboli Inscription (646 AD)

1. Found near Shamboli in Mewar
2. Provides information on Guhil Dynasty of Mewar

Nadi Inscription (661 AD)

1. Found near Nadi village in Mewar and written in Sanskrit in Kutil Script
2. Provides information on Guhil ruler Aparajit of Mewar

Jhalarapatan Inscription (691 AD)

1. Found at Jhalarapatan tehsil of Jhalawar and written in Sanskrit
2. Mentions the name of Durgagana Maurya of Maurya family.

Chittor Inscription of Maan Mori (713 AD)

1. Found at Shakner Ghat of Mansarovar lake near Chittor and written in Sanskrit
2. Mentions the name of Raja Maan Mori of Malwa and described the area ruled by him

Ghatiyala (Mandore) Inscriptions (861 AD)

1. Four inscriptions found near Ghatiyala in Jodhpur
2. Sheds light on political, social and religious policies of Pratihara dynasty.
3. Inscription I is written in Sanskrit and mentions the name of kings till Kakkuka of Pratihara dynasty.
4. Inscription II sheds light on society of that time. Caste rules got rigid by this time.
5. Inscription III and IV sheds light on personal preferences of Kakkula.

Osiyan Inscription (956 AD)

1. Found near Osiyan village of Jodhpur
2. Sheds light on Jain community

Pratapgarh Inscription (946 AD)

1. Written in Sanskrit and found in Pratapgarh
2. Mentions the name of Chauhan mahasamanta Indraraja, the builder of Sun-god Indradityadeva temple

Ahar Inscription (953 AD)

1. Found near Ahar in Udaipur and written in Sanskrit
2. Sheds light on religiousity of the area. Mentions Vishnu and Surya temples.

Chittor Inscription of Naravarman (971 AD)

1. Found in Chittor and now preserved in Bhartiya Mandir Ahmedabad
2. Mentions the name of Parmar ruler Naravarman and sheds light on his rule
3. Also mention construction of Mahavira Jinalaya

Ahar Inscription (977 AD)

1. Found near Ahar in Udaipur and written in Sanskrit
2. Mentions the name of 20 local rulers starting from Guhadatta to Shaktikumara.

Ahar Devakulika Inscription (977 AD)

1. Mentions the name of Allat, Narwahan and Shaktikumar.
2. Sheds light on their military expeditions