The Ghoraghat Inscription of Raja Prananitha
Summary
The Ghoraghat Inscription of Raja Prananitha, dated to the Saka year 1637 (1715 CE), commemorates the construction of a stone temple dedicated to Krishna by Raja Prananitha, a prominent Dinajpur ruler who reigned independently for nearly forty years until 1722. The inscription, incised on stone slabs, is located in Ghoraghat, a village near Binajpar, on the western bank of the Tand River. It highlights Prananitha's devotion to Krishna, comparing his devotion to that of a bee drawn to the lotus feet of the deity. The temple, built in the *soudha-dhama* style, likely used limestone, as indicated by the architectural terminology. The inscription also references Vijighatta, a military outpost where Prananitha kept his horses, situated about twelve miles from Dinajpur. His reign is marked by significant constructions, including the Prinasigara tank and the temple at Fantanagar, reflecting his patronage of Krishna-centric architecture. The text, composed in Sanskrit, employs a chronogram for the year and includes a verse praising Krishna. The inscription's paleography suggests a blend of orthographic conventions, with no major anomalies noted.
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Conclusion
The Ghoraghat Inscription of Raja Prananitha provides critical insights into the religious and political landscape of early 18th-century Bengal, particularly under the rule of Dinajpur's semi-independent Rajas. Dated to 1715 CE, it highlights Raja Prananitha's devotion to Krishna, evidenced by the construction of a stone temple at Ghoraghat and his patronage of Vaishnavite architecture. The inscription's unique orthographic features and chronographic details offer valuable paleographic and historical data, while its reference to Vijighatta's strategic military importance underscores the region's geopolitical significance. This document not only enriches our understanding of local temple-building traditions but also illuminates the socio-religious dynamics of a lesser-studied period in Bengal's history.