Note on Toramana
By Sten Konow
Summary
The note discusses K.P. Jayaswal's interpretation of the name "Mauna" (with variants like Yauna, Jana) in the Puranas, linking it to the Kusinas through the Kura inscription of Toramana. Jayaswal argues for a reading of "jairpal" instead of "jairal," connecting it to the Kusina dynasty and suggesting linguistic evolution from "janed." He supports this with a coin analysis from Rapson’s *Indian Coins*. However, the author critiques Jayaswal’s phonetic arguments, questioning the validity of treating "jairva-" as an n-base and the use of voiced consonants in Puranas. They acknowledge Jayaswal’s contribution in identifying Toramana across inscriptions but dispute the certainty of his readings, particularly the "jairpal" interpretation, citing discrepancies in coin legend analysis and the implausibility of multiple titles in metric inscriptions. The note also explores parallels with Hephthalite titles like "zawolo," suggesting Toramana might be a Hina rather than a Kusana. Despite acknowledging Jayaswal’s insights, the author concludes that his conclusions are unproven and linguistically inconsistent, urging caution in accepting them.
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Conclusion
This analysis critically examines the etymology and historical context of the name "Toramana," proposing its connection to the Kusana dynasty through linguistic and numismatic evidence. While acknowledging the challenges in accepting certain phonetic interpretations, the study emphasizes the significance of the Kura inscription and coin readings in supporting the identification of Toramana with the Kusanas. The debate over the title *jaiivla* and its implications for dynastic chronology highlights the complexity of interpreting ancient Indian inscriptions. Ultimately, the findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of Kusana-era nomenclature and its political context, though further epigraphic and numismatic studies are needed to solidify these conclusions. The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in unraveling the historical and linguistic intricacies of early Indian dynasties.