Chhattisgarh, a state in central India, holds immense historical significance due to its ancient inscriptions and scripts, which provide a window into the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. The inscriptions discovered in Chhattisgarh reveal the evolution of writing systems, the political history of dynasties, and the socio-religious life of its ancient inhabitants.
Ancient Scripts in Chhattisgarh
Brahmi Script
Origin and Spread:
Brahmi is one of the oldest scripts in the Indian subcontinent, dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
Associated with Emperor Ashoka's inscriptions, Brahmi was the precursor to many modern Indian scripts.
In Chhattisgarh, Brahmi inscriptions have been a crucial source of historical information, found on rocks, pillars, and copper plates.
Significance in Chhattisgarh:
The Brahmi script was prominently used during the reign of the Mauryan Empire and subsequent dynasties.
It records administrative orders, religious donations, and the achievements of rulers.
Characteristics:
Brahmi is an abugida, where each consonant inherently carries a vowel sound that can be modified using diacritics.
Early Brahmi inscriptions in Chhattisgarh showcase its transitional evolution into regional scripts.
Other Ancient Scripts
Gupta Script:
Derived from Brahmi, this script was widely used during the Gupta Empire (4th to 6th centuries CE).
Several inscriptions in Chhattisgarh bear the hallmark of Gupta-style script, reflecting the region's integration into the Gupta Empire's influence.
Sharada and Nagari Scripts:
The Sharada and Nagari scripts emerged during the medieval period and were influenced by earlier Brahmi derivatives.
Some inscriptions in later periods show a transition towards Nagari script, which evolved into modern Devanagari.
Kharoshthi:
Though predominantly associated with northwestern India, some minor influences of Kharoshthi can be observed in the inscriptions, hinting at trade or cultural exchanges.
Major Inscriptions Discovered in Chhattisgarh
The inscriptions found in Chhattisgarh are pivotal for understanding the political, cultural, and religious history of the region. These inscriptions are primarily on rocks, caves, temples, and copper plates.
Ashokan Inscriptions
Ashokas Rock Edicts:
Found at Pali near Bilaspur and Rajim, these inscriptions are written in Brahmi script.
They highlight Ashokas efforts to propagate Dhamma and reflect the Mauryan administration's reach in this region.
Significance:
These inscriptions mark the spread of Buddhism and the Mauryan control over Chhattisgarh.
They mention ethical edicts promoting non-violence, tolerance, and the welfare of subjects.
Panduvanshi Inscriptions
Background:
The Panduvanshi dynasty ruled parts of Chhattisgarh during the early medieval period (6th to 9th centuries CE).
Their inscriptions, written in Sanskrit using Gupta-style script, provide insights into the administration, land grants, and religious patronage of the dynasty.
Examples:
Ratanpur Inscriptions:
Found near Bilaspur, these inscriptions detail land grants to Brahmins and temples.
They reflect the socio-religious environment and the transition towards feudal governance.
Sirpur Inscriptions:
Discovered in Sirpur, these inscriptions belong to the Panduvanshi rulers and record the construction of temples, Buddhist monasteries, and donations.
Kalachuri Inscriptions
Role of Kalachuris:
The Kalachuri dynasty of Ratanpur emerged as a prominent ruling power in Chhattisgarh between the 9th and 12th centuries CE.
Their inscriptions are crucial for understanding the medieval history of the region.
Famous Inscriptions:
Ratanpur Copper Plates:
Found in the Ratanpur area, these copper plate inscriptions document land grants, royal decrees, and genealogical records of the Kalachuri kings.
Khairagarh Inscriptions:
These inscriptions mention royal grants and the construction of temples dedicated to Hindu deities.
Rajim Stone Inscription:
Located in the Rajim temple complex, this inscription records the donation of a temple and vividly describes the grandeur of Kalachuri rule.
Buddhist Inscriptions
Sirpur:
Sirpur is an archaeological treasure trove with inscriptions on Buddhist viharas, stupas, and temples.
Written in Brahmi and Gupta scripts, these inscriptions confirm the regions prominence as a Buddhist center between the 6th and 8th centuries CE.
Mahashivagupta Balarjuna Inscription:
Found in Sirpur, this inscription records the patronage of Buddhism by Mahashivagupta Balarjuna of the Panduvanshi dynasty.
It highlights the coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism during his reign.
Other Notable Inscriptions
Kanker Inscriptions:
Found in the Bastar region, these inscriptions date back to the 11th and 12th centuries CE.
They highlight the influence of tribal kingdoms and their interaction with larger empires.
Malhar Inscriptions:
Located in the Bilaspur district, Malhar has inscriptions dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
These inscriptions provide one of the earliest records of settlement and religious activities in Chhattisgarh.
Deobhog Inscription:
Found near the Odisha border, this inscription records land grants and serves as evidence of Chhattisgarhs interaction with eastern kingdoms.
Historical Significance of Inscriptions in Chhattisgarh
Political History:
The inscriptions detail the genealogy and achievements of dynasties like the Mauryas, Panduvanshis, and Kalachuris.
They provide evidence of the political integration of Chhattisgarh into larger empires.
Religious Diversity:
The inscriptions showcase the coexistence of Buddhism, Jainism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism in the region.
They reveal the patronage provided to temples, monasteries, and educational centers.
Socio-economic Insights:
Land grant inscriptions indicate the agrarian economy and the feudal structure of medieval Chhattisgarh.
Donations recorded in inscriptions underline the economic prosperity and the role of religion in society.
Art and Culture:
The inscriptions are accompanied by carvings and motifs, reflecting the region's artistic traditions.
They provide insights into the language, literature, and script evolution in ancient and medieval India.