A Note on the Mathura Inscription of Candra Gupta II
Summary
This scholarly note examines a fragmentary Sanskrit inscription from Mathura attributed to Gupta emperor Candra Gupta II. Previous scholars suggested that the inscription recorded an image of the emperor, but the author argues that the damaged text does not support such a reading. Only traces of five characters remain between certain words, and none resemble the letters needed to reconstruct “Candra” or “pratima.” By comparing palaeographic forms and considering the context of other Gupta inscriptions, the author suggests that the inscription likely referred to religious dedications—possibly the installation of two Shiva lingas—rather than an imperial portrait. The note cautions against drawing far‑reaching conclusions from incomplete epigraphs and emphasises the need for careful decipherment before making historical claims.
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Conclusion
The author concludes that the fragmentary Mathura inscription cannot be used as evidence for an anthropomorphic image of Candra Gupta II. Given the incomplete state of the text, it is safer to interpret it as a record of religious donations. The note highlights the importance of caution and corroboration in epigraphic analysis.