Chhattisgarh, a state rich in cultural and historical heritage, holds an impressive repository of inscriptions that provide invaluable insights into the medieval period. These inscriptions, primarily found on temple walls, copper plates, and rock surfaces, reveal crucial aspects of the region's history, society, religion, and polity.
Notable Inscriptions from the Medieval Period
Ratanpur Inscriptions
Location: Ratanpur, Bilaspur district
Era: Kalachuri dynasty (9th to 14th centuries CE)
Significance: The Ratanpur inscriptions are vital in understanding the reign of the Kalachuri rulers, especially Jajalladeva I and Ratnadeva III. These inscriptions document administrative policies, temple constructions, and donations to religious institutions.
Highlights:
Details of grants given to Brahmins and temples.
Mention of major events during the reign of Kalachuri kings.
Records of architectural activities, including the construction of the Mahamaya Temple.
Kharod Inscription
Location: Kharod, Janjgir-Champa district
Era: Sharabhapuriya and Kalachuri dynasties
Significance: These inscriptions shed light on the Sharabhapuriya dynasty's contributions to art and architecture.
Highlights:
Mentions of temple endowments and patronage of learning.
Records of land grants, reflecting the economic and agrarian policies.
Sirpur Inscriptions
Location: Sirpur, Mahasamund district
Era: Panduvamshi dynasty (7th to 9th centuries CE)
Significance: Sirpur is an archaeological treasure, with inscriptions that document the Panduvamshi rulers' patronage of Buddhism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism.
Highlights:
The Lakshmana Temple inscriptions describe the construction of temples and donations by kings and nobles.
Records of the flourishing Buddhist monastic community.
Rajim Inscriptions
Location: Rajim, Gariaband district
Era: Kalachuri dynasty
Significance: Known as the "Prayag of Chhattisgarh," Rajim holds inscriptions that emphasize the religious and cultural confluence of the region.
Highlights:
Mentions of fairs and rituals conducted at the Rajiv Lochan Temple.
Documentation of Kalachuri rulers' contributions to temple building.
Mallhar Inscriptions
Location: Malhar, Bilaspur district
Era: Sharabhapuriya, Panduvamshi, and Kalachuri dynasties
Significance: These inscriptions provide a layered understanding of the dynastic transitions in Chhattisgarh.
Highlights:
Records of political events and administrative reforms.
Descriptions of donations to temples and scholars.
Historical Information Derived from Epigraphy
Medieval inscriptions in Chhattisgarh serve as a primary source for reconstructing the socio-political, religious, and economic history of the region.
Political History
Inscriptions document the rule and achievements of dynasties like the Sharabhapuriyas, Panduvamshis, and Kalachuris.
They provide information about the territorial extent of kingdoms, royal lineages, and succession details.
The Ratanpur inscriptions highlight the administrative efficiency and military campaigns of the Kalachuri rulers.
Religious Practices
The inscriptions showcase the coexistence of multiple religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Sirpur inscriptions reveal the prominence of Buddhist monasteries and their interaction with Hindu Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
Mentions of temple rituals and donations indicate the role of religion in medieval society.
Economic Insights
Records of land grants (agraharas) provide details about agrarian practices and revenue systems.
Copper plate inscriptions describe the allocation of resources for temple maintenance and scholarly activities.
Trade and commerce are indirectly referenced through donations and the construction of religious complexes.
Cultural Contributions
Inscriptions highlight the patronage of art, architecture, and literature.
They provide insights into the linguistic diversity of the period, as many inscriptions are in Sanskrit and Prakrit.
Literary references in inscriptions, such as praises of kings and descriptions of religious events, contribute to the understanding of medieval cultural ethos.
Social Structure
Epigraphs provide information about the caste hierarchy, roles of Brahmins, and the status of women.
The mention of donors from diverse social backgrounds reflects the inclusive patronage of religious institutions.
Significance of Epigraphy in Understanding Chhattisgarh's History
Reconstruction of Chronology: Inscriptions help establish timelines for major historical events and rulers.
Documentation of Urbanization: The rise of urban centers like Sirpur and Ratanpur is recorded through inscriptions, showcasing the development of infrastructure and religious hubs.
Linguistic Evolution: Analysis of inscriptions reveals the evolution of languages and script styles, aiding in understanding the region's intellectual heritage.
Cultural Syncretism: The coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions reflects the pluralistic ethos of medieval Chhattisgarh.