Some exaggerated Statements in Inscriptions (re. Invasions of Bengal)
Summary
This miscellany piece addresses exaggerated statements in royal inscriptions about invasions of Bengal. The author observes that panegyric inscriptions often boast of kings conquering distant regions such as Anga, Vanga (Bengal), and Kalinga without reliable evidence. He cites an inscription of the Kalachuri king Bhillama claiming to have been a 'Kala' (destroyer) to the kings of Anga, noting there is no corroborating record that the Kalachuris ever invaded Bengal. Similar hyperbolic claims are found in plates of other minor dynasties. The piece argues that these exaggerated statements were literary conventions meant to glorify rulers rather than factual accounts and cautions historians against taking them at face value.
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Conclusion
The article highlights the propensity of royal inscriptions to exaggerate martial achievements, particularly claims about conquering Bengal. By scrutinising these statements and comparing them with historical evidence, the author reminds researchers to treat panegyric inscriptions critically and to corroborate their boasts with other sources.