Old Brahmi Inscriptions

by B. M. Barua | 1929 | 101,633 words

Summary: This book deals with old Brahmi Inscriptions, particularly in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves (formerly called Kattaka Gumpha or Cuttack caves), situated near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India. The author offers a critical examination of fourteen such inscriptions and an alphabet table. He also meticulously reviewed previous scholars' interpretations, including Stirling, Prinsep, Cunningham, Mitra, Indraji, Jayaswal, and Banerji, often identifying significant errors.

The author (Barua) emphasizes the interconnectedness of these inscriptions and the Brahmi alphabet table, treating the Hathi-Gumpha inscription as the central text, a "Kharavela-Carita." He also addresses specific points of contention, aiming to rectify past misinterpretations regarding Kalinga's population, Rsi Khibira, Greek King Demetrios, Avardja, and the Maurya or Nanda eras, among others.

Source 1: exoticindiaart.com
Source 2: archive.org

Contents of this online book ( + / - )

The full text of the Old Brahmi Inscriptions in English is available here and publically accesible (free to read online). Of course, I would always recommend buying the book so you get the latest edition. You can see all this book’s content by visiting the pages in the below index:

Warning! This document has not been proofread. However, for each page you can (and should) verify the text with the original source PDF file.

Preface

Alternative readings and Corrections

+ Book 1 - Text and Tranlsations

. Part 1 - Inscription of Kharavela in the Hathigumpha

. Part 2 - Inscription of Kharavela’s chief queen relating to the Vaikunthapura cave

. Part 3 - Inscription of Kadampa or Kudepa relating to the Patalapura cave

. Part 4 - Inscription of Vadukha or Varikha relating to the Yamapura cave

. Part 5 - Inscription of Vadukha or Varikha in the Chota-Hathigumpha

. Part 6 - Inscription of Culakamma (in Sarpa-gumpha)

. Part 7 - Inscription of Culakamma in Pavana-gumpha

. Part 8 - Inscription of Kamma and Khina (in Sarpa-gumpha)