INSCRIPTIONAL EVIDENCE ON THE VALOUR OF RĀJASIṂHA PALLAVA

Abstract

Inscriptions are ancient writings or carvings etched onto stone, metal, pottery, and other durable materials, often created to convey information, commemorate events, or honor individuals that provide a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and events of past civilizations. They are a source of information about the past, and are studied by historians, archaeologists, and researchers. Inscriptions serve as primary sources of historical information, preserving records of events, rulers, and societal norms. They offer insights into the development and evolution of languages and scripts over time. Inscriptions provide valuable information about the cultural and religious practices of ancient civilizations.

The study of inscriptions is called Epigraphy. Inscriptions record the achievements of kings, activities of people who commissioned them, record the ideas of people and the like. Dedication Inscriptions, Commemorative Inscriptions, Funerary Inscriptions, Legal and Administrative Inscriptions are a few types of inscriptions. Deciphering an Inscriptions ma results in Multilingual Texts, Comparative Analysis, Technological Advancements, etc,.

This paper deals with an ancient Pallava inscriptional poem in Saṃskṛtam consisting of 12 verses in the form of a eulogy (Praśasti) of the Pallava King discovered and published by E.Hultzsch a century ago. Rājasiṃha alias Narasiṃhavarman II (c.A.D. 670 – 700) is a king adorned with many epithets like atyantakā, Śrῑbhara, Raṇajaya and is compared with Lord Viṣnu and Lord Śiva. The Praśasti consists of 12 verses employing various metres about the King and his valour.