On the Text of a Verse in the Bhitari Stone Pillar Inscription of Skandagupta
Summary
In this brief note Satyavrat examines a disputed verse from the Bhītari stone pillar inscription of the Gupta ruler Skandagupta. The controversy centres on the reading of the last quarter of verse 7, which has been variously interpreted by epigraphists such as J. F. Fleet and V. C. Pandey. Satyavrat summarises the arguments of previous scholars and points out methodological flaws, including over‑reliance on conjecture and insufficient attention to palaeographical details. He proposes an emended reading based on a fresh inspection of the stone, phonetic considerations and parallel usages in contemporary inscriptions. The author also discusses the historical implications of the corrected text for understanding Skandagupta’s military achievements and administrative titles. By clarifying the inscriptional evidence, the note contributes to the accurate reconstruction of Gupta history.
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Conclusion
The author concludes that careful textual criticism grounded in epigraphic evidence can resolve disputes over ancient inscriptions. His proposed reading not only fits the available traces on the stone but also aligns with Gupta-era idioms, underscoring the need for rigorous methods in historical philology.