Ancient Sarabhapura
Summary
Ancient Sarabhapura's location remains uncertain, as the copper charters of Mahisudevaraja, Mahajayarija, and Mahapravarardja provide no clues about whether it was within or near the Mahikosala kingdom. The caste and origins of these rulers are also unknown. The charters mention sub-divisions, districts, and villages granted to Brahmins, but their identification is disputed, relying on contested interpretations of old maps and pronunciation. Claims linking Sarabhapura to modern "Sarappur" (a Zamindari headquarters in Gangpur) or to villages like Sarbar (near Sarhar) or Sarwa (near Shortnaran in Bilaspur) lack conclusive evidence. Nandaur, where a silver coin of Prasannamatra (grandfather of Mahasudevaraja) was found, shows signs of historical significance, including temple ruins, a fort, and a massive stone boat, though many artifacts were destroyed. The coin, bearing a box-headed script (4th–6th century CE), matches one from Salbepali, a village 25 miles away. Nandaur’s proximity to Thakurdiya—where copper plates of Mahapravararija (Prasannamatra’s grandson) were discovered in 1932—further supports its historical relevance. Despite these findings, the exact identity of Sarabhapura remains unresolved.
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Conclusion
The study of Ancient Sarabhapura reveals the complexities of identifying historical locations based on fragmented epigraphic evidence. While multiple sites—Nandaur, Sarhar, and Sarwa village—have been proposed as potential locations for the ancient town, none can be conclusively linked to Sarabhapura without further archaeological evidence. The reliance on defective maps, uncertain village identifications, and oral traditions underscores the challenges in reconstructing historical geography. The discovery of Prasannamatra’s coin near Nandaur and the copper plates of Mahapravarardja in Sarangarh State highlights the broader historical context of the Mahikosala kingdom but does not resolve Sarabhapura’s precise location. This ambiguity emphasizes the need for rigorous archaeological investigation to validate or refute these claims and deepen our understanding of this enigmatic historical site.