Two More Inscriptions of Western Kshatrapas

The article reports on two newly identified inscriptions from the Western Kṣatrapa dynasty and examines their historical significance. These inscriptions are fragmentary records carved on stone pillars discovered at Vandhā and another unidentified site. Written in Sanskrit and Brāhmī script, they describe donations made by individuals for building a cave and for constructing a water cistern. Because the inscriptions are damaged, the names of the rulers and precise dates are missing, but palaeographic analysis suggests they belong to the Western Kṣatrapa period. The study highlights the importance of these inscriptions for understanding the epigraphic practices of the Western Kṣatrapas. Unlike many earlier Kṣatrapa inscriptions written in Prakrit, these use Sanskrit, showing the dynasty’s participation in the growing prestige of Sanskrit in public records. The inscriptions also attest to the continuation of charitable activities, such as sponsoring caves and water‑works, by Kṣatrapa officials and private donors. Although the texts do not mention famous rulers like Rudrasiṃha, they confirm the presence of Kṣatrapa authority in the Kachchh region and provide additional data on regional administration. The author points out that these inscriptions do not radically change our understanding of Western Kṣatrapa history. However, they add to the corpus of epigraphs and help clarify chronological issues. The language, script and content reflect a transitional phase when Sanskrit was supplanting Prakrit as the preferred medium for official documents. The article calls for further exploration of sites in Kachchh and Gujarat to uncover more evidence of Kṣatrapa activity. Overall, the study demonstrates how even fragmentary inscriptions can illuminate cultural and administrative aspects of ancient Indian polities.

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